Bergen County Police Departments Team Up For 'Borough Of Beards'

WYCKOFF, NJ — Police officers from Wyckoff have joined forces with others from across Bergen County for a fundraiser that involves skipping an appointment at the barber shop, or at least skipping the shave.

The Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department has organizing a "Borough of Beards" fundraiser, which is already underway and will run through December.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser page:

"'Borough of Beards' campaign is an annual fundraiser, taking place throughout November and December. The goal of this campaign it to raise money, in order to help local individuals and families in need."

This year, funds will be raised for the Bastante-Howard family. According to the department, "Joanne Bastante-Howard is a single mother of a special needs 13 year old boy. Her son, diagnosed with Down Syndrome, is a student at ECLC School in Ho-Ho-Kus. Joanne is currently suffering from Breast Cancer, and is receiving treatment."

The fundraising effort will feature local police officers growing out their beards and mustaches through the end of the year, but area residents can also chip in.

Donations are being accepted on the fundraiser page currently, and all donations of $40 or more will be eligible for a Borough of Beards t-shirt.

In addition to the Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department, here's who else is participating:

• Upper Saddle River Police Department
• Franklin Lakes Police Department
• Woodcliff Lake Police Department
• Wyckoff Police Department
• Saddle River Police Department
• Oakland Police Department
• HHK Borough Hall
• HHK Fire Department
• HHK Ambulance Corps
• HHK Department of Public Works
• HHK Elementary School
• ECLC School

As of Nov. 9 at 10:35 a.m., the fundraiser has already collected $15,250 of the $20,000 goal.