Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones is stepping-up to help a Police Officer involved in the Atlantic P-D’s “No Shave” November effort to raise funds for the Police and Police Reserve’s annual “Shop with a Cop” and “Family Dreams Christmas” Programs.

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones

Officers and Reserve Officers are being 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 this month, 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.

While the contest works out fine for the department’s male officers, it puts the only female officer, Christin Vavricek at a disadvantage. That’s where the Mayor is stepping up to the plate.

Atlantic Police Officer Christin Vavricek

Jones said he would serve as a proxy for Officer Vavricek and accept donations on her behalf for the children’s and families programs during the contest.

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. Atlantic Police Chief Steve 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.