No Shave November and Veterans Day Promotions: A Guide to Free Offers and Charity Initiatives

No Shave November and Veterans Day are annual campaigns that generate a variety of promotional offers and charitable initiatives across the United States. These events encourage participants to forgo shaving to raise awareness for cancer prevention and to honor military service members, respectively. During these periods, brands and organizations often release special deals, freebies, and fundraising programs. This article details the verified offers and charity events associated with these campaigns based on available source data.

No Shave November and Movember Initiatives

No Shave November is a month-long journey during which participants forgo shaving and grooming to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness. The concept is to embrace hair that many cancer patients lose, allowing it to grow wild and free. Participants are encouraged to donate the money typically spent on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.

Similarly, Movember, created by an Australian group in 2003, invites participants to grow a mustache to create awareness and raise money for men's health issues, specifically testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

Fundraising and Charity Events

Several organizations utilize the No Shave November framework to raise funds for specific causes.

Nelson County Sheriff’s Office: The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia participates in the "No Shave November" challenge to raise funds for the Project Lifesaver Program. Citizens can sponsor deputies throughout the challenge, with the department announcing the deputy who raised the most sponsorship donations at the end of the month. Donations can be made in person or by mail.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Throughout November, Mountain Mike’s Pizza donates $1 from every Heart-Shaped Pizza sold at its 315+ U.S. restaurants to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW), an organization that builds and remodels accessible, mortgage-free homes for combat-wounded veterans.

Promotional Offers and Hoaxes

While No Shave November is primarily a charitable movement, various rumors regarding free products for participants have circulated.

McDonald’s Rumors: In November 2017, a rumor circulated claiming McDonald's offered free ice cream for bearded men. This claim was debunked as a hoax.
McDonald’s McRib Promotion: In 2020, McDonald's offered a free McRib code to the first 10,000 participants. The code was valid exclusively for McDelivery via Uber Eats. This promotion was linked to the No Shave November cause, with proceeds from McRib sales on December 2 supporting a donation to cancer initiatives. This offer required no purchase to receive the code, though a delivery fee applied to the actual delivery.

Veterans Day Meal Deals and Freebies

Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is a significant date for restaurants and retailers offering free meals and products to active-duty military personnel and veterans. Most of these offers require proof of service, such as a military ID, and are valid for dine-in only unless otherwise specified.

Verified Veterans Day Offers

The following offers were verified for Veterans Day, specifically noted for the year 2025 in the source data:

Sizzler: Participating locations offered a free lunch to active-duty military or veterans until 4:00pm. Participants could choose between a Half Dozen Crispy Shrimp, Malibu Chicken, or 6oz Tri-Tip Steak entree, including a free beverage. This offer was valid at all Sizzler locations excluding those in Utah, Idaho, and Puerto Rico.
Shake Shack: Active and retired military personnel received a free Big Shack sandwich with military ID, while supplies lasted.
Sonny’s BBQ: Veterans and active-duty military received a free Pork Big Deal, which includes a pulled or sliced pork sandwich on garlic bread or a bun, a side dish, and a drink.
Starbucks: On November 11, 2025, Starbucks offered a free tall (12 fl oz) brewed coffee (hot or iced) at participating U.S. stores.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Veterans and active military members received a free Signature Angus Burger and fries for dine-in only on November 11.
TCBY: Veterans and active military received free Froyo for their first 6oz with valid ID on November 11.
Teriyaki Madness: Veterans and active military members received a free bowl of their choice on November 11.
Texas Roadhouse: Veterans and active-duty service members received a free meal voucher on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all locations. Proof of service was required.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Veterans and active-duty military were invited to enjoy a free Lunch Buffet (All-You-Can-Eat Pizza & Salad Bar) on November 11, 2025, from 11am to 2pm. Military ID was required.
Native Grill & Wings: Veterans and active-duty military received a free select meal on November 11. Menu options included the 1/2 lb Stripper Combo, 1/2 lb Boneless Combo, Native Chicken Sandwich with fries, or #MyNative Burger with fries.
O’Charley’s: Veterans and active-duty military visiting on November 10 or 11 received a $5 reward card valid for their next visit. Additionally, O’Charley’s offered a free entrée to all veterans and active military with valid ID from 11 a.m.

Additional Veterans Day Perks

Draft Beer or Soda: Veterans received a free 12 oz draft beer or soda on November 11 at participating locations. One drink per veteran was allowed, and recipients had to be 21 or older to receive the draft beer. Proof of service was required.

Conclusion

No Shave November and Veterans Day serve as catalysts for both charitable fundraising and consumer promotions. While No Shave November focuses primarily on cancer awareness and fundraising through events like those hosted by the Nelson County Sheriff's Office and Mountain Mike's Pizza, it has also been the subject of product rumors, such as the debunked McDonald's ice cream offer. Veterans Day offers a wide array of verified free meals and drinks for military members, with major chains like Sizzler, Texas Roadhouse, and Starbucks participating. Consumers seeking these offers should always verify terms and conditions directly with the brand and prepare necessary proof of service or participation.