Johnston Police Officers may look a little different during the month of November as they grow beards to raise funds for a good cause. Participating officers donate money to benefit a pre-selected non-profit organization in order to participate in “No-Shave November”. This year’s funds will be donated to Youth Homes of MidAmerica in Johnston to install outdoor recreation/physical fitness equipment.
“No-Shave November is a creative way for members of our department to get involved within the community,” said Police Chief Dennis McDaniel. “This is the third year we have participated in No-Shave November. Last year, our department raised over $2,000 for the Johnston Partnership. Officers of the department are not normally allowed to grow facial hair. We loosen up these policy restrictions in November for officers to give back to their community while having a little fun.”
Community members and businesses who wish to donate to help with the department’s efforts are asked to drop off their donations Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On November 30th the Department will host a potluck for participating city staff members and a final judging to crown the “best beard” as judged by a selected panel from the community. The officer who wins the contest is presented with a traveling trophy. Final proceeds raised from the effort will also be presented to Youth Homes officials at that time.
On December 1, the officers will go back to their normal uniform policy, but they hope the awareness they raise during November will make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of children at Youth Homes.