By MADDY VITALE
Sea Isle City police officers are not afraid to let their “hair down,” so to speak.
For “No Shave November” they raised $2,000 to help three people coping with cancer. Each year the department participates in the fundraiser to assist families battling the disease.
Beards, mustaches and a little more than a 5 o’clock shadow over the course of a month didn’t seem to bother the officers who joined in for the worthy cause, explained Police Chief Tom McQuillen.
“We all know of someone or love someone who is going through or had cancer,” he said.
McQuillen, as the leader of the police department, said he was happy to participate. He has been sporting a beard through November.
In addition to helping others, there is a perk to being able to forego the razor.
“We are so used to being neatly groomed,” McQuillen said of the guidelines for the officers when it comes to facial hair. “We get to relax our strict grooming standards and grow our hair out.”
And in turn, the 20 officers who participated in No Shave November each contributed $40 to the cause and encouraged the public to donate as well.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio offered to get involved immediately, McQuillen pointed out.
The mayor showed his support by matching the officers’ donations to the families.
And in turn, in typical Sea Isle fashion, the police department wanted to do something to help Desiderio with his annual holiday Mayor’s Food and Toy Drive.
“Don’t Shave December” will continue the officers’ efforts to help others. And this time, the funds they raise will benefit the food and toy drive.
“The mayor was very generous with us over No Shave November and this is an opportunity for us to be able to support his food and toy drive,” McQuillen said. “This is an opportunity for us to again give back to the members of our community that we have an honor to serve on a daily basis.”
A portion of a post on the police department’s Facebook page highlighted the community spirit in Sea Isle:
“We also want to thank Mayor Len Desiderio for matching the donations that each of our officers gave. Once again, we have shown how our community will always come together to support those in need,” the post read.
For those who would like to make a donation to Don’t Shave December, make checks out to the Sea Isle City Police Department Goodwill Fund with the memo “Don’t Shave December.”
