T-L Photos/CARRI GRAHAM Officers of the Martins Ferry Police Department present A Special Wish Foundation Executive Director Alicia Freeman with a check on Tuesday afternoon at the police department in Martins Ferry. The department raised $1,500 for the organization. Shown from left are Police Chief John McFarland, Freeman, Officers Steve Veltri, John Holmes, Robert Ney, Sgt. Vern Trigg and Officer Kade Carpenter.

MARTINS FERRY — Local law enforcement grew their beards for months in support of a fundraiser that will aid local children.

Members of the Martins Ferry Police Department went without shaving this winter to benefit A Special Wish Foundation.

The officers participated in the “no shave” program from October until January in order raise money for the organization. Officers were able to go without shaving for the past few months for a donation of $2 per shift. Police Chief John McFarland said nearly all male officers participated in the program this year.

The officers presented A Special Wish Executive Director Alicia Freeman with a check for $1,500 on Tuesday afternoon. Freeman said the funds will support the wishes of local children suffering with life threatening conditions. On average, the organization is able to fulfill the wishes of eight to 12 children per year, she said.

“We cover from birth up to the age of 21,” Freeman said.

The foundation aids children all over the Ohio Valley, spanning eight counties on both sides of the Ohio River.

Freeman was very appreciative of the officers’ support.

“It’s just really a blessing to us, because that means we can just continue our mission granting wishes to local children who really need something special during the storm they’re going through,” she said.

Officer John Holmes said he was happy to participate in the program.

“We’re glad we can help the organization,” he told Freeman.

This is the sixth year the department has participated in a “no shave” program. Each year, the officers donate the raised funds to a different organization in need.

“Every year we’ve found a child or family that has cancer or something going on. We don’t publicize them all, but we try to help them out,” McFarland said.