North Reading Police Join No Shave November

NORTH READING, MA — For one month only, North Reading police are adding scruff to their uniforms. The department announced that it will participate in "No Shave November," to highlight and raise money for a charity.

While the hashtag No Shave November tends to go viral every year, police departments have extra fun with the trend since it's the one time officers are allowed to grow out their facial hair. The viral trend is also a way for departments to shed light on community organizations and help them raise money.

The campaign allows department members to donate or raise $100 to forego facial hair restrictions during the month of November as a way to support Home Base's mission to help veterans and their families heal from invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.

This will be the department's third year participating in the fundraiser.

"The annual Home Base fundraiser is a truly remarkable initiative that raises funds to support veterans and their families, a cause that means a great deal to many members of our department and our community," Chief Murphy said. "We're pleased to be able to participate as a department."

As of Wednesday, Nov. 6, the department has already raised more than 80% of their $2,500 fundraising goal.

As part of Home Base No Shave, which was formerly known as No Shave November, more than 100 New England Departments raised over $273,000 last year. Since its inception in 2015, the campaign has raised over $466,000 to fund critical mental health and brain injury care for our nation’s wounded and injured service members and their families.

This year, Home Base will link its efforts to a Statewide Veteran Suicide Prevention Campaign, led by Governor Charlie Baker. This year’s campaign will culminate with a Shave-Off celebration at Fenway Park on Wednesday, Dec. 4 to recognize the tremendous efforts by all of the participants throughout the month of November.