Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green says the public shouldn’t be alarmed if they see local police officers deviate from their normally clean-shaven look. During the month of November, A-PD officers are taking advantage of “No Shave November” in a competition to raise funds to help with the annual “Shop with a Cop” and “Family Dreams Christmas” Programs.

Officer and Reserve Officers will be allowed to grow the beard of their choice in November. The idea is that those officers must raise a minimum of $100 each in donations during November, to be put towards the kids’ programs. Any officer who does not raise the required amount minimum will be making up the difference out of his own pocket. A number of officers have already begun seeking donations and have exceed their minimum…before the month has even begun.

While the Atlantic Police Dept. takes donations toward their youth programs throughout the year, and will continue to accept donations at the P-D as usual, the officers felt the “No Shave” idea would be a great way to kick-off the seasonal fundraising efforts this year.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact the officers in person, or drop off your donation in the name of a specific officer or reserve officer at the Police Department. General donations are also accepted. Chief Green says it has been a tough year for a number of families in the Cass County area, and the needs of the kids are expected to be numerous.

Checks should be made to the “Atlantic Police Reserves,” with an indication for the Christmas or Youth programs, in the memo line.