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'It's a blessing': Panthers, nonprofit work to reunite families before Thanksgiving

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper wants to make sure families can be together for Thanksgiving.

His foundation is teaming up with the nonprofit, the Bail Project, to bail out some low-income Mecklenburg County inmates before the holiday.

Gloria Croussore isn't afraid to share her story. The Charlotte mother said she's been in and out jail and has struggled with substance abuse.

She recently served 24 days on drug charges.

“I just want to do something different than what I've been doing,” Croussore said.

Croussore is one of two dozen people the Bail Project and members of the Carolina Panthers helped bond out of jail.

The people released all faced minor charges with no ties to violence. All were eligible to bond out of jail if they could afford it.

“I feel like they want you to step up, and they will support you,” Croussore said. “The lack of support is a big reason why people go back out.”

It’s why the organization has partnered with local ministry, New Birth Charlotte. The church will serve as an extension of the Bail Project by offering support through job training and access to resources.

Richard Thompson was released in time for his son’s 9th birthday on Monday.

“It's a blessing. It's just another way of showing me the gift that God has given me,” Thompson said.