KEARNEYSVILLE — Members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department are once again participating in the fundraising effort known as No-Shave November.

No-Shave November is a month-long event, during which participants forgo shaving and grooming to raise funds for a specific cause.

According to Sheriff Pete Dougherty, approximately 20 deputies are participating this year. The department has consistently done so for the past six years, Dougherty said.

Officer Robert Sell, who is participating in the event, said, “We are supporting the Child Advocacy Center which helps law enforcement investigate crimes against children.”

The center, Sell said, offers a safe place for children to feel comfortable to talk about abuse they have experienced.

“The No Shave draws attention to officers who are normally clean shaven — just allowing us to strike up a conversation and let people know about the fundraiser,” Sell said.

Dougherty indicated the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has been able to raise more than $6,000 for the center since it began participating in the No-Shave November event.

“Our policy is to have deputies clean shaven, except when the sheriff waives the policy,” Dougherty explained.

“I am thankful that our sheriff provides us the opportunity to raise money for an incredible, hidden gem within our community,” said Jefferson High School Resource Officer Ben Williams. “Safe Haven, our local Child Advocacy Center, is such a tremendous resource for our community’s children.

“I have really discovered the resource working closely with them in Jefferson High School,” Williams said. “They assist with countless students, not only with investigative processes but with individual care for the student and family.”

The officers will continue to grow their beards through the end of November. Many have established GoFundMe accounts for family and friends to donate to their efforts. In addition, people may contact the sheriff’s office to decide how to donate.

Safe Haven, the local Child Advocacy Center, offers a child-focused program, encouraging a team approach to the investigation and treatment of child abuse. Team members include prosecutors, law enforcement, child protective service workers, mental and medical health and victim advocates. The organization’s mission, according to their website, is to promote a child-focused approach to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse, by providing a safe, child-friendly facility, a multidisciplinary team response to abuse allegations, and professional support, education and advocacy services.

Safe Haven serves Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties, under the umbrella of Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.

“I love my beard, and I’m proud to give to Safe Haven,” Williams said.