By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Once the calendar hits Nov. 1, Pelham residents might notice many of the police officers growing beards. That’s because they are participating in No Shave November for the second year in a row, benefitting the Wings of Hope Foundation.

“It is a great foundation and we are honored, once again, to do the No Shave November,” said Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer. “It’s such a great group of individuals.”

The Wings of Hope Pediatric Foundation is an organization that provides families with terminally ill children emotional support, meals, house cleaning, lawn care and financial assistance with paying bills. They do this so families can focus on their child and the time they have together.

“It all boils down to the amount of time they have with this child,” Palmer said. “We are trying to provide relief with just day-to-day tasks, so they can stay focused on the child. Every few seconds is critical.”

Last year, the departments raised about $14,000 for the Wings of Hope Foundation, and Palmer said they hope to raise $20,000 this year. He said he believes they will break that goal easily.

To help provide more motivation, Palmer said he is challenging the police chiefs from all the participating departments to see which can raise the most funds. Hoover, Montevallo, Helena, Alabaster and Pelham police departments have accepted the challenge as of Oct. 20.

Palmer said they are also talking to the fire department and the ladies who work for the departments about finding a way for them to participate.

The competition will start Nov. 1 and last through the month of November. At the end of the month, the departments will meet to see who won. There will also be a competition for who can grow the best beard, the best-dressed and most creative beards.

There were even some green, purple and red beards the night of the meeting last year, according to Palmer.

To sponsor an officer or to make a donation to the Wings of Hope, participants can contact any police department or the officer they wish to sponsor. To support the Pelham Police Department, call 620-6550.

“I think Pelham is going to do it this year,” Palmer said. “We did it last year and we aren’t going to give up the King of the Beards that easily.”