Mary Quinn, president and CEO of YWCA of greater Harrisburg, receives a check from the Harrisburg Police Bureau.
Harrisburg police officers may have been busy honing their razors last weekend, following the end of a two-month no-shave initiative that raised thousands for a good cause.
In a city hall ceremony on Friday, the city Police Bureau donated $2,760 to the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, money marked for domestic violence programs.
“We hope to raise greater awareness of this problem,” said Deputy Chief Derric Moody. “Domestic violence is something we deal with in any town, not just in Harrisburg city, but throughout the world.”
This was the third “no-shave November” for the department, an initiative that actually runs about two months into the new year. In past years, beneficiaries included the Harrisburg Police Athletic League and Downtown Daily Bread.
“We’re honored to receive this money,” said Mary Quinn, YWCA president and CEO. “We value our relationship with the city police.”
The program officially ended on Monday, when officers needed to come to work clean-shaven.
“Traditionally, in the police field, you don’t get to grow a beard,” Moody said. “So, we’ve had citizens talk to our officers and ask us, ‘Why are you growing a beard?'”
In all, 92 officers took part, each contributing $30 to participate. Female officers weren’t excluded, as they were allowed by participate by growing out their hair and wearing makeup.
For a second straight year, Officer Andrew Bath was deemed to have the best facial hair on the force, which earned him a plaque.
“This was the highest amount of money we’ve raised so far,” Moody said. “Next year, we hope to raise even more.”
