The Franklin Park Police Department is participating in “No-Shave November,” helping to raise awareness and funds around cancer.
No-Shave November, as described by the organization’s official website, is a monthlong campaign where participants forgo shaving, and look to prompt conversation and general awareness about different types of cancer.
Over the course of the month, participants and donors are encouraged to donate the money they would usually spend on grooming to causes which support cancer research and prevention.
“The goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle,” officials state on the no-shave.org website.
The Franklin Park Police Department has been participating in No-Shave November since 2017, Chief Michael Witz, told Pioneer Press. He said the department has raised more than $5,000 since that time, with over $1,000 raised so far this year alone.
Witz said donation dollars are used for investing in groundbreaking cancer research and providing free information to cancer patients and their caregivers.
This year’s donations are going to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the Kidney Cancer Association, AIM at Melanoma Foundation and several others, said Witz.
“Our officers enjoy the temporary modifying of our grooming policy which allows officers to participate in this worthwhile and increasingly popular charitable campaign,” the chief said.
Joseph Arnone is a freelancer.