Deputies let it grow, raising more than $6,200

Deputies let it grow, raising more than $6,200

Fundraiser benefits Floyd County Cancer Friends

No-Shave November paid off for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department this year, raising more than $6,215 to donate to Floyd County Cancer Friends (FCCF).

“It’s been our biggest (fundraiser),” Chief Deputy Jeff Crooks said. “We’ve done other things in the past, but this is definitely one that the deputies like.”

The month gave deputies a chance to grow out their beards –– which are normally not allowed as part of the uniform, Crooks said –– and individually fundraise among their own contacts. One deputy raised almost $700 by speaking with business owners on Main Street. Dan Sargent raised the most donations of $1,045, Crooks said, and a few donations have been pledged for the start of December.

The department has been fundraising with No-Shave November for three years, FCCF representative Jan Osier said.

In 2014, the department raised $6,239 for FCCF.

“They’re going to surpass what they made last year, which is awesome,” Osier said. “It’s very worthwhile. Cancer touches everybody.”

The FCCF helps Floyd County families afford non-medical costs associated with treating cancer, including travel, lodging and food costs as patients seek treatment beyond county lines.

“We’re reaching out to the Nora Springs, Marble Rock, Rockford area if we can, because they too live in Floyd Co,” Osier said. “We are getting more referrals from that direction, which is great.”

As a thank-you from the department for their fundraising efforts, deputies may choose to wear trimmed beards until March 1. “It’s just a good way to give back to the community,” Crooks said.

By Kate Hayden khayden@charlescitypress.com