You may have noticed some fuzz on the faces of Fulton's first responders.
No, Callaway County isn't facing a razor shortage. It's November, which means it's time for local law enforcement officers and other first responders to grow beards for charity.
Since 2015, officers have chipped in $20 apiece for the privilege of growing a beard. The money then goes to a local charity. This year's beneficiary is Bright Futures.
"Sgt. Lance Reams is the board chairperson of Bright Futures," Police Chief Steve Myers said at Tuesday evening's Fulton City Council meeting. "I thought it was a great thing for the kids in our community."
Bright Futures is a national program. When a local community starts its own initiative, they are given access to Bright Futures resources and their own Facebook page. When a student at Fulton Public Schools has an immediate need - like a new pair of shoes - teachers can post to the page, allowing community members to rapidly respond. A cruise down the Fulton Bright Futures page shows most needs are met within 24 hours.
Bright Futures will also be starting a mentor program to help keep students on track to succeed.
"Children come to school on a regular basis with basic needs not having been met," Reams said. "Previously, teachers were spending a lot of their own money meeting those needs. When the basic needs aren't met, children end up more worried about their empty stomach than they are about food."
Fulton Bright Futures officially launched in October with a fundraising 5K. Reams said the program is already helping improve the lives of children.
"We had one high school student who was essentially paying his own bills, and he needed steel-toed work boots," he said.
The community came through, and rather than quitting school to work longer hours, the student was able to continue attending, Reams said. Another student was given new shoes after classmates teased him for his hole-riddled old ones. Other needs being filled include glasses and warm clothing.
Departments participating in No-Shave November this year include the Callaway County Sheriff's Office, Holts Summit Police Department and the Fulton Fire Department.
"I think this is our third year doing it," Fulton Fire Chief Kevin Coffelt said. "Most all of these guys are willing to help out with charity and anything we can do to help in the community. Anything we can do for kids not as fortunate, we're there to help them out."
Reams said he expects to collect about $800 by the end of the month.
Visit brightfuturesfulton.com or Bright Futures Fulton on Facebook to learn more.