TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Some police officers are tossing their razors for No Shave November.
About 17 Texarkana Arkansas Police Department officers are growing beards in an effort to raise money for Shop with a Cop.
Shop with a Cop is a charity event where local police officers and firefighters raise money to provide Christmas for disadvantaged families in the Texarkana area.
"This is an event we do every year that allows our officers to go without shaving for the month of November, in order to raise money for Shop with a Cop," said Lt. Scott Megason, a spokesman for TAPD.
Each officer who participates will pay $100. That fee sponsors one child. Officers will begin growing their beards on Nov. 1. For $150, an officer receives a head start on growing their beards,
Texarkana citizens can also sponsor an officer.
Any amount is appreciated," they say.
Paul's Pawn and Gun Shop has also agreed to provide prizes for the winners.
No Shave November is also a morale booster that officers enjoy doing, Megason said.
"It's a lot of fun and it lets the officers contribute to a good cause," he said.
Voting on the best beard will be on the TAPD Facebook page. Each week, a post will feature a photo of officers participating . To vote for the beard you like best, simply hit like of love. At the end a total count will be done for each officer and the one with the most votes will win Best Beard of 2021.
The officers are also in a competition to see who can collect the most sponsorship money to send more kids shopping. The officer who raises the most money will also win a prize.