By Sam Elliott
If you spot a Boone Co. Sheriff’s officer sporting some facial hair scruff this November and December, it isn’t because of a lack of hygiene or laziness to pick up a razor.
For the second year in a row, Boone Co. Sheriff’s Office employees will raise money for the Boone Co. Cancer Society — and be able to skirt the department’s usually strict grooming standards — with a “No-Shave November” campaign.
After a successful showing in last year’s inaugural campaign, this year’s is being extended an additional month — “Santa Beard December.”
Employees who donate a minimum of $30 will be allowed to grow facial hair during the month of November, with the option to continue doing so into December for an additional donation of $10 per week.
“I’m excited to support a great cause once again this year,” Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen stated. “My life has been touched personally by cancer. In 2007, I was diagnosed with primary mediastinal lymphoma. With the support and encouragement of my family and friends, we tackled this ugly disease head-on.”
Chemotherapy treatments have Nielsen cancer-free, and he says his ordeal with the disease inspired him to help other patients in any way he can.
The Boone Co. Sheriff’s Office is inviting the public to join in the department’s No-Shave November/Santa Beard December campaign by also donating to the Boone Co. Cancer Society.
“We are encouraging the public to help fight cancer with us,” BCSO Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Burcham said. “Grow a beard, and donate funds to our local Boone Co. Cancer Society. We ask that you donate by check only.”
Donations can be brought to the Boone Co. Sheriff’s Office at 1905 Indianapolis Ave. in Lebanon, with checks payable to Boone County Sheriff’s Office – BCCS.
