Cops Get Scruffy for Charity

One of the Cedar Rapids Police Department’s favorite fundraisers each year is “No-Shave November,” a month free of shaving for officers, and a chance to contribute to a local charity through the Cedar Rapids Police Protective Charity (CRPPC). In 2021, “No-Shave November” was extended to include December, and in 2022, Police Chief Wayne Jerman authorized an even longer extension to include November, December, January, and February. Officers donated $50 each month to participate, and those funds were distributed to local charities through the CRPPC. Women officers skipped the beard growing, but many still donated to the fundraising effort. CRPD civilian employees also participated, with their benefit being the permission to wear jeans while at work.

In 2022, the following received donations from the “No-Shave” program: Running 4 Heroes, Michael W. Oglesby Foundation, Salute to the Fallen Foundation, C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), and The Unity Tour. CRPPC Treasurer and Officer Charity Hansel said officers were excited about the extension in 2022. “Our officers are passionate about so many great causes, and the organizations we supported were chosen from their suggestions. We’re grateful for the chance to do this for our community, and especially for the extra months we had this year to wear beards.” According to Hansel, the CRPPC raised close to $20,000 through their “No-Shave” efforts this year.