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Former Panther Steve Smith donates $2K to help CMPD aid homeless

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Carolina Panther Steve Smith continues to find way to help those in need in the Charlotte community.

Earlier in the week, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg officer came across a homeless man who was only in boxer shorts and a thin hoodie. The officer tried to get the man into the police cruiser to warm up but the man wouldn’t do it. The officer said he had nothing warm to offer the man.

The Steve Smith Family Foundation heard the story and donated $2,000 in order to buy blankets and sleeping bags for people in need who officers come across while on patrol.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are hoping to get a sleeping bag or blanket in every patrol car.

“These items will be used by (the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department) to actually be literally in their cars and their arms, to be able to distribute to families in need as they see fit,” Gerrard Littlejohn, with the foundation, said.

[Urban Ministry: How to Help]

Anyone who would like to donate blankets or sleeping bags can drop them off at 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. during business hours.

[Tips, warning signs for frostbite, hypothermia]

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