Reading Police Participate In No Shave Initiative

READING, MA — Some Reading Police personnel are again growing out their beards this month as the department returns to its annual Home Base No Shave initiative for a seventh year.

Chief David Clark announced the initiative this week.

The Reading Police Department now permits officers to wear well-kept facial hair year-round. Police have continued their traditional No Shave November program, though, to benefit the Home Base organization and its work to support veterans facing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and other challenges.

Each Reading officer growing a beard this month will be donating $100 to Home Base, Clark said.

"This cause is one that's deeply personal for our members, many of whom are veterans themselves, and we're excited to contribute to such a meaningful cause," Clark continued.

Clark said the Reading Police had already exceeded their $1,000 fundraising goal for the month of November as of his announcement. He said police hope to continue to raise money before Dec. 1, though.

Community members can chip in and receive a special edition camouflage Reading Police patch. Those interested in receiving a patch should send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Reading Police Department, attention Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy, at 15 Union St. in Reading. Individuals should include either a check for $10 made out to Home Base, or a receipt for an online donation to Home Base.

Home Base traces its roots back to 2015, when it formed as the No Shave November initiative. The organization has since rebranded as Home Base No Shave.

Home Base has raised upward of $1.2 million throughout its history to support mental health and brain injury care.

The Reading Police are far from the only department participating in no shave efforts this month, with upward of 130 departments across the country taking part to date, as noted in Clark’s announcement.

See more on Home Base No Shave here.