During the month of November, thousands of men commit to raising awareness for cancer by growing out their facial hair.
It’s called No Shave November and according to the website no-shave.org, the goal is to grow awareness by embracing one’s hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild. Participants are encouraged to donate the money usually spent on shaving and grooming for a month to educate the public about cancer prevention.
In 2012, a group of young men inspired by this initiative and the beards on the popular television show “Duck Dynasty,” created Poplarville “No-Shave November.”
Unlike the national no-shave campaign, this group grows their beards as a holiday fundraising event.
All proceeds are utilized to purchase Christmas presents and clothing for needy children in the area, Daniel Wise, a founding member, said.
“For myself, I saw a lot of people that wanted to participate in community events,” Wise said. “This is a non-denominational group and anyone wanting to give back to the community is welcome to participate.”
Each member of the group is given a donation form. Wise said participants decide on the method of sponsorship.
“For example, donors can pledge an amount for every inch of beard, or donate a daily amount for each day a group member goes unshaven,” Wise said. “Or donors can simply pledge one flat fee.”
Last year, the youth from First Baptist Church and members of Pearl River Community College’s Baptist Student Union volunteered to shop for the presents, Wise said.
The college is currently hosting a campus wide toy drive and they are donating the toys this year, Wise said. Funds raised from the no-shave group will be used to also purchase toys and children’s clothes.
In 2012, the group raised more than $1,800 and provided Christmas for 17 children. In 2013, donations doubled leading to 56 local children being helped.
“The Poplarville School District and Brothers Keeper Ministries provide the names of deserving families,” Wise said.
The group will be accepting donations until Dec. 10, which will give them enough time to gather their Christmas cheer.
Wise said remaining funds are donated to Brothers Keeper Ministries.
“It is satisfying to give back to community members who are suffering misfortunes,” Wise said. “Especially the children who are born into situations. It’s good for us that have enough to give back. A lot of people believe you have to travel to a foreign country to help out, but people can help locally.”
Follow the group on Facebook at Poplarville “No Shave November.”
For more information contact Wise through email at Daniel@poplarvilleinsurance.com or Norman Tyner at normtyner@bellsouth.net.