CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Glenn Garris can now do what he never could in 29 years as a Charlotte firefighter -- grow a beard and grow his hair long. But it's not just because he can -- it's because of a bet.

“Another fireman said if I grew the hair for a year without cutting it he would pay me $500,” Garris said.

It's been a year and his buddy paid up. Now he has plans to use that $500 to help those in need. He’s planning to buy coats for the fourth annual collection of Steve’s Coats For Kids, which provides coats to Crisis Assistance Ministry.

Those with the organization said they never seem to have enough warm winter coats for everybody who needs one. Executive Director Carol Hardison said this time of year it's especially tough.

“We have children who are literally at bus stops, on a day like today it's 18 degrees, and they have sometimes torn, ragged, very thin sweaters,” she said.

But his effort just got a big boost.

“Since then other friends of mine have found out about it, they've been offering to kick money in because I was going to donate all the money that I raise to the Coats For Kids project,” Garris said.

At last check, the fund now totals more than $1,500.

Now Garris has another idea to raise even more money.

“I put it out that if somebody was willing to pay $500 I'd let them shave my head, shave my mustache and beard,” he said. “I mean I'll end up wearing a toboggan all winter, but the end result is helping those that need help.”

HELP: Donate To Steve's Coats For Kids