Madison County Sheriff’s team breaks the rules for a good cause

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) – Madison County Sheriff Scott Mellinger is letting his staff break the rules this month for a good cause.

He said his team can grow beards if they donate money to help local kids.

Guys who donate $20 dollars to Safe Families for Children of Madison County are allowed to take part in No Shave November. Safe Families is a group dedicated to helping kids whose families face a crisis.

Emma Johnson is director of Safe Families for Children of Madison County.

“It’s awesome to have the type of support just from within the community and the type of awareness that it brings us,” Johnson said.

Safe Families is launching one of their biggest fundraisers of the year Tuesday.

The ladies of the sheriff’s department decided they’d like to get involved as well. Mellinger agreed to let them wear nail polish during November if they donate to Dove Harbor, a local safe haven for women and children.

“As females, we’re giving back to help females,” Assistant Jail Commander, Michelle Sumpter said. “It feels great for us to be able to do that.”

The nails and the beards have raised about $1,250  so far.

The fundraiser also sparked a debate among the sheriff’s team. Patrolman Darren Dyer claims he “absolutely” has the best beard but some of his coworkers disagree.