Somerset Police Use Beards to Raise $20K for Kids With Cancer

Police in Somerset took No Shave November all the way through to a furry-faced February, and as a result, they were able to make a large donation to an organization helping children fight cancer.

The Somerset Police Department and Chief Todd Costa were able to deliver a check for $20,709 to the Cops for Kids with Cancer organization on Monday, after months of officers growing out their beards and making a donation in order to do so.

The organization will send the money out “to people directly involved in the care of children with cancer,” according to a Somerset Police release, and it “will support numerous families with each family receiving around $5,000.”

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Somerset Police Sgt. Adam DaRosa coordinated the effort, which the department called “Cops With Beards for Kids With Cancer.” Originally, it began with the traditional “No Shave November” initiative, with officers making a minimum donation of $200 to be exempt from the department’s grooming standards, which normally prohibit officers from having beards.

According to Somerset Police, 22 officers took part in the initiative and grew out their beards, collecting donations from friends, family and local businesses in order to remain unshaven. The fundraiser was so popular that it was extended through February 28, before officers finally had to break out the Bics for the first time in four months.

"I would like to thank all of the members of the Somerset Police Department and the Somerset community who helped support our efforts in raising money for the Cops for Kids with Cancer organization," Chief Costa said. "Thanks to all those who generously donated, we were able to present the organization with over $20,000 in funds to be allocated to the families of children who are bravely fighting childhood cancer.”