DeKalb County police officers might’ve looked a bit different in recent weeks.

Male officers were allowed to grow beards, while their female counterparts could sport bright nail polish and earrings. The goal was to raise money, through donations made by participating officers, to buy gifts for under-privileged children in the county through the Heroes and Helpers program.

In all, DeKalb officers pitched in $15,000.

On Saturday morning, they met with about 125 children at Wal-Mart on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker to spend the money.

“The Heroes & Helpers program fosters strong community relationships by pairing public safety officials with in-need youth to shop for the children's families during the holidays,” agency spokesman Maj. Stephen Fore said.

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