For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 9, 2018

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jordan@jgpr.net

Reading Police Officers to Remain Unshaven, Continue Charitable Efforts Through Year’s End

READING — Deputy Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department raised nearly $3,000 for veterans and their families through its No Shave November program, and for the first time will be extending the effort even further with Don’t Shave December.

This month, 26 Reading Police officers, combined with members of the community, raised $2,900 for Home Base.

Home Base is a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program dedicated to helping 9/11 veterans — and their families — who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, have a traumatic brain injury or other related conditions.

Due to overwhelming interest by officers, Deputy Chief Clark has authorized an extension to the waiver of the department’s policy prohibiting facial hair.

Officers will once again have an opportunity to donate $100 in exchange for permission to grow a beard through the end of 2018. The money raised in December will be donated to the Reading Food Pantry.

“I’m so proud of the enthusiasm the whole department has shown in supporting Home Base, and we’re all grateful for the opportunity to give back directly to our own community,” Deputy Chief Clark said. “The Reading Food Pantry is an essential resource for so many in town, especially as the holidays approach, and I know all of our officers are happy to support their work.”

The Reading Food Pantry is open Mondays from 7-8 p.m. and Fridays from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and clients may visit twice a month to collect fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and packaged goods and toiletries, as well as fresh meat and fish that is largely provided by the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Clients also have the opportunity to receive a gift card once a month to help purchase milk, bread and other items not stocked at the pantry. The Reading Food Pantry currently serves 110 households, including a large number of seniors and children. The food pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers — the youngest of whom is three years old — and provides an opportunity for students to earn service hours through volunteerism.

“We’re so thankful that the Reading Police Department named the Reading Food Pantry as the recipient of its ‘Don’t Shave December’ project,” said Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Maxwell.

“Their generous gift will enable us to purchase food for the holidays and restock in January,” Volunteer Coordinator Charlotte Harlan added. “If members of the community see an officer who looks like they ‘forgot’ to shave, please thank them for participating in this fundraiser.”

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