Chicago Heights Cops Are Growing Beards For Charity

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL - Police in Chicago Heights are taking a pro-active approach to help families and raise awareness for children in need. For the second year in a row, officers are growing beards to bring attention to two causes.

Police Chief Thomas Rogers says that while the beards are being grown over the next two months, officers are asking the public to bring unwrapped Christmas presents that they will distribute to disadvantaged children during the holiday season. They are also asking for financial contributions to support Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.

Last year, police officers raised money for St. Jude Children Hospital while growing beards.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the effort this year.

"Our goal is to make this a brighter holiday season by collecting toys for some of our local children and families who may need a little help during the holidays, and providing a financial contribution to Shriners Hospital for Children in support of their service in providing medical care for children – regardless of a family’s ability to pay," the GoFundMe page reads.

Photo via GoFundMe