The allure of the mustache has always been in a state of flux. From the slick bristle of the roaring ’20s to the shaggy ’70s ’stache, facial hair has long been a symbol of manhood. But these days, the mustache seems to have been ostracized by mainstream society.

So what would compel a group of seemingly lucid, average non-hipster gentlemen of the 21st century to put down their razors and commit this ironic fashion faux pas?

Literacy, of course.

For 826michigan — a nonprofit organization composed of eccentric and creative volunteers who seek to improve writing skills in children throughout the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area — donning hair on the upper lip has been deemed the perfect avenue for promoting free literacy programs.

Participants in the Mustache-A-Thon, an annual facial hair-growing contest, include volunteers from 826, University students and other men from the Ann Arbor community who admire the organization’s programs. All these brave competitors find local donors to sponsor their efforts. Last year, 30 men participated in the contest, and 826 is anticipating more this year.

Starting March 8, a collection of some of the 826 organization’s favorite fellows will begin their five-week quest of growing a stylish ’stache. Regardless of the 826 team’s seemingly quirky and carefree demeanor, they're completely serious when it comes to all things facial hair. And those considering taking part in mustache mania better be willing to make the cut — of the beard, that is.

“This is a mustache on the upper lip only,” explained 826 Executive Director Amanda Uhle.

The concept is pretty ingenious. Tyler Brubaker, an avid mustache grower and ‘U’ alum, described the experience: “I think I had a goatee for a year or so in college, but since then my upper lip has been unadorned until last March … the mustache isn’t necessarily a good look for a lot of people.”

The participants, who, like Brubaker, aren't typically mustache wearers, are constantly bombarded with quizzical looks and blatant remarks about their ridiculous furry facial features throughout the five weeks. This gives the men the opportunity to tell their friends, co-workers and the occasional befuddled gawker that the mustache is being grown for literacy and that they should look into donating.

But that’s not all participants get for embracing the hirsute. How about buds, bristles and beers? Beginning with a kick-off on March 8, fearless fuzz-free men will meet at Ann Arbor Brewing Company to have their pictures taken by professional photographers. During the course of the event, mustache growers will meet at the brewing company every Monday promptly at 8:26 p.m. Each week, photos will be taken and posted on the 826 blog so readers can donate money in the name of the most innovative, classy or trashy mustaches.

And many growers can’t help but have a little fun with it.

“If you’re really proficient at growing your mustache, you can get the handlebars or the curly Qs,” Brubaker said.

Sure, it’s all fun and games — until somebody vacations with their throwback ’stache.

“Last year I went on vacation during the Mustache-A-Thon and all of the pictures of me at the Grand Canyon looked like they were taken in the 1970s, because I had this giant mustache," Brubaker said. Also, "When you go out west with your mustache, the sweating is an issue.”

Vanities and inhibitions aside, many of this year’s upcoming ’stache growers have already pondered their hairy prospects.

“My upper lip is so sparsely haired that I don't have much freedom to design, but I've always been intrigued by the Salvador Dali, wildly manicured handlebar” said first-time grower and University law student Carlos Torres.

There’s more to 826michigan than mustaches, though. 826 National is an organization founded in part by bestselling author Dave Eggers. After becoming successful, he wanted to find a way to give back to the community.