Dearborn Heights Officers give to kids in need

Roughly 40 students at Hillcrest Elementary in Dearborn Heights had a great Wednesday morning interacting with local police officers.

During the month of November, 70 officers took part in the “No Shave Movember” program, each donating 30 dollars to the cause to raise $2,100.

With that money, police bought 1,500 gloves and hats for any child who may be in need for when it the temperatures really drop.

"Our way of giving back, we have a good community support here in Dearborn Heights from our residents, so this is a way of giving back to our community," said Chief Lee Gavin of the Dearborn Heights Police Department.

"Charity does start at home and I do want the kids to have a sense of community and understand that the police department is here to help them, and they’re an integral part of the community. We support each other back and forth" said Diana Shahin, Principal of Hillcrest Elementary School.

One fourth grader we talked to may be squared away with a hat at the moment, but she and other students enjoyed the interaction.

"I just felt really special,” said Emerson German.

When asked what he appreciated most, fourth grader Chauncey Foster replied, “The gloves and being here. It’s super cool."

A cool effort overall and now that November 2016 is in the books, some officers cannot wait to shave the beard.

"I can't wait to shave it off,” said Captain Dan Zoltattornal of the Dearborn Police Department. ”It reminds you of what you used to do to keep warm, but the beard - I prefer the clean look."

Also, officers will have packets in their squad cars all winter long in case they see a kid who needs to throw on a hat and a pair of gloves.

"When they see some kids outside,  maybe having a snow ball fight or something, we'll be able to hand these out to the kids" said Chief Gavin.

The officers are planning to visit more schools over the next few days, and they plan to take part in the “No Shave Movember” program in the future.