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Deputies grow goatees to help local families in need
0101 Goatees
From left: Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes poses for a photo with his deputies, Advanced Deputy Wayman Chapman, Cpl. Jeff Dawson and Cpl. Sascha Krumnow, who all are growing goatees as part of a charitable effort to help area families in need. (Lewis Levine)

Citizens of Liberty County may notice that some sheriff’s deputies are sporting a new look.
The department recently eased its facial hair policy in the name of charity. 
For a donation of $120, deputies now are allowed to wear goatees while in uniform. Previously, deputies only were allowed to grow mustaches. The proceeds will go to a charity established by Sheriff Steve Sikes to help residents in need.
The charity, dubbed “Goats for the Needy,” so far has raised more than $1,000 to provide meals for hungry families in Liberty County.
Sikes said the families who receive the meals are identified by his deputies, who see local people in need at many of the homes they are called to.
In addition, Sikes said, the local churches also help pinpoint families who could use a hand.
Sikes said his deputies have stepped up to the plate to participate in the charity-based challenge. 
“I’m pleased that the deputies have taken an interest in this program to take care of the families in need in Liberty County,” he said. 
Food purchased with the money is delivered to families in a sheriff’s office patrol car.
“We do this because we want children to know that the police don’t show up just to make arrests, but also to provide a helping hand,” Sikes said.
The sheriff said several local businesses also have signed up to participate in the program.
Deputy Cpl. Sascha Krumnow said anyone can donate.
“You don’t have to grow a goatee to contribute,” he said.

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