Gastonia Police Department’s No-Shave November raised more than $3,000 this year for Special Olympics North Carolina. And some beards will continue to grow in Don’t-Shave December, a fundraiser to support NC Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher Wooten who was injured in a vehicle pursuit crash in October.
“It’s a fun opportunity to grow a beard and support our community at the same time,” said Sgt. Scott Norton, GPD’s SONC fund-raising committee chairman. By policy, GPD officers are clean shaven. To participate with No-Shave November, officers contribute $40 to SONC and hand out flyers to anyone who asks about their growing facial hair. Participation with Don’t-Shave December also requires a $40 donation.
The mission of SONC is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympics-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Anyone interested in making a donation to SONC in honor of the GPD may do so online at http://sonc.net/give/. Anyone interested in making a donation in support of Trooper Wooten or participating with Don't Shave December can contact Sgt. Norton at norton_scott@cityofgastonia.com or Officer Jackie Quinley at quinley_jackie@cityofgastonia.com.
