DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Dearborn Heights police officers grew their beards out for a fundraiser called “No shave November” and collected more than $2,100 to donate to local elementary school students in need of winter clothing. 

Thanks to the department’s efforts, schools received more than 1,500 donated gloves and hats.

On Wednesday, November 30, officers appeared at the Dearborn Heights District 7 Administrative Offices and Hillcrest Elementary School to drop off the winter wear.

 Supplies were sent off to various schools across all of the city’s three districts, including Star Academy.

Dearborn Heights Police Chief Lee Gavin told The AANews that about 80 percent of the department’s employees participated in the fundraiser. Women participated by wearing jeans. 

Each participant donated a minimum of $30 to the cause.

The department usually has a ‘no facial hair’ policy, but made an exception for the month of November.

“It’s very important to reach out to the kids when they are young,” Gavin said. “The younger kids love the policemen. Doing something like this is a good way of showing that the police is here for them.”

In addition, Gavin said police officers on patrol will be supplied with hats and gloves to give to children if they are spotted walking home in freezing
temperatures.

Hillcrest Elementary Principal Diana Shahin told The AANews that her students were grateful for the police department’s generosity.

“All of our students are going to be impacted by this gracious act of generosity,” Shahin said. “We were so happy to partner up with them because I believe in collaborating with the community organizations and I want the police department here as often as we can get them.”

Shahin stressed the importance of community outreach with law enforcement, in an effort to stifle growing tensions between police and communities across the nation.

“I think it’s extremely important that we start this relationship at an early age,” she said. “I want my students to know that the police department is a great resource and that it’s a safe place with people that genuinely care about us. It also teaches them a lesson of charity, kindness and consideration for others.”

Crestwood School Board Trustee Ed Garcia told The AANews that several families throughout the school district could use assistance, but they may be apprehensive in being public about it.

“It’s nice to see that the police officers union has taken the initiative to provide something for those in need, especially at this time of the year,” Garcia said. “Some parents may not feel comfortable coming forward in asking. But the nice thing about this is that it impacts everybody across the board at the elementary level.”