Residents in Southeast Iowa may soon see fundraising letters connected to the Iowa State Sheriffs’ & Deputies’ Association and its charitable arm, the Iowa State Sheriffs’ & Deputies’ Association Institute.
According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, letters being mailed to residents inviting them to become honorary members of the Institute are legitimate. If you receive a letter from Sheriff Rich McNamee with a return address listed as a P.O. Box in Wellman, Iowa, the mailing is authentic.
The Institute is a nonprofit, professional law enforcement and educational organization dedicated to preserving peace and public safety across Iowa. The honorary membership program has been in place for many years and is designed to strengthen relationships between citizens, businesses, and local sheriffs.
Funds raised through donations and memberships help support law enforcement training and community programs, including youth outreach efforts and partnerships with organizations such as Special Olympics Iowa and the Des Moines YMCA Camp.
Officials emphasize that donation requests are made by direct mail only and that the organization does not solicit donations by phone.
The Institute is registered with the Iowa Secretary of State and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning membership dues and donations may be tax deductible.
