Each year the Holyoke Police Department holds its “Manuary” fundraiser in support of veterans organizations. As police officers, the men of HPD are not typically allowed to grow facial hair, however, for the month of January, with a donation of $20 dollars they may grow a mustache or, for $30 dollars, they can grow a beard.

This year the Holyoke Police Department teamed up with the Easthampton Police Department to raise money for the veterans organization “22 Until None”, a non-profit that offers assistance to veterans from mental and physical health, to job assistance to get vets back on their feet so they can be independent.

The organizations name “22 Until None” is inspired by the fact that on average there are 22 veteran suicides per day. The non-profit’s goal is to provide mental health support and counseling to veterans suffering from debilitating mental diseases, like Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD), so that veterans can live happier healthier lives.

When asked about the importance of this organization Police Captain and retired Air National Guard, Matt Moriarty said “Everyone’s been touched by suicide one way or another and 22 Until None is doing great work so that many people won’t have to experience these tragedies.”

As aveteran himself, Moriarty feels very strongly about these issues. “It’s so easy for people to forget about the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our country and the least we can do is make sure they can live healthy lives after their service.”

The Holyoke and Easthampton Police Departments together raised over $2000 dollars for their “Manuary” fundraiser and with generous donations from Peoples Bank and Senator Don Humason, were able to donate over $5000 to “22 Until None”.

On Wednesday January 31st the Holyoke and Easthampton Police Departments closed out the month long event at JP’s restaurant in Holyoke, where friends and family gathered for food drinks and raffles and awards.