Republic PD’s first No-Shave November raises $400

Some Republic police officers are looking more like lumberjacks than law enforcement as the Republic Police Department holds their first No-Shave November, a fundraiser for Care to Learn, Republic.
Brian Sells, chief of the Republic Police Department, said 11 officers each donated $35 to Care to Learn, which provides for area children in the areas of health, hunger and hygiene. In return, the officers are allowed to grow out their beards during November (they have to shave come Dec. 1). Altogether, the officers have raised $400 for Care to Learn.
Sells said the officers are enjoying participating in No-Shave November.
“They like it,” he said. “The officers like the engagement and conversation they have with the citizens regarding the program.”
Sells himself also made a donation, but has decided to keep using his razor.
“I donated but still shave,” he said.
Natalie Botkin, of the Republic chapter of Care to Learn, said the organization was “honored” to be the recipient of the funds from the Republic PD’s first No-Shave November.
“Because of support from community partners like the police department, Care to Learn is able to meet the needs of Republic students every day,” she said. “The No-Shave November campaign has also been a great way to raise awareness about Care to Learn and the work we continue to do right here in our community for our kids. Students are oftentimes met with barriers that keep them from being in their chairs learning and being successful at school. Care to Learn helps remove those barriers by meeting the child’s basic needs of health, hunger, and hygiene.
Sells said the donations by officers taking part in No-Shave November have helped several kids in Republic.
“According to the Care to Learn website, the $400 will meet 80 needs for local children,” he said.