Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce recently issued the following announcement.
Some Durham Police officers are a little hairier than normal. Despite non-profits taking a hit due to COVID-19 DPD officers continue to raise money for a good cause and get a chance to grow out their beards.
With 23 days remaining in its employee-driven charitable campaign, the Durham Police Department (DPD) is close to raising $10,000 as part of the agency’s National Autism Awareness Month observance. So far DPD employees have contributed 730% over their fundraising goal to support the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). This is a much needed financial boost for the non-profit in the throes of unprecedented donations slowdown due COVID-19. DPD contributions total $8,372 so far.
DPD’s community outreach project is a timely internal morale booster as employees render essential public safety services during the coronavirus outbreak. A campaign incentive is beard amnesty for officers who contribute at a certain level. For a specified time participating officers are allowed to grow a neatly trimmed beard, an action that is ordinarily not permitted by dress code guidelines in the department’s General Orders.
All employees are supporting the cause. A number of DPD employees have loved ones who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an incurable developmental disability.
Original source: https://durhamnc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2329
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