Charlotte companies give back to the community on #GivingTuesday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On #GivingTuesday, some of the largest companies in Charlotte gave back to the community in the hopes of building a better future.

Lowe’s gave Habitat Charlotte $1 million after learning about a recent study on economic mobility. The study found that affordable housing is a major factor in a child’s future success and well-being.

“We will be able to build homes and repair homes and serve more families because of their investment,” said Laura Belcher, with Habitat Charlotte.

Bank of America also made a huge contribution on #GivingTuesday by giving $2.8 million to 36 nonprofits, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, both of which received $200,000 grants and leadership development programs for one year.

“We hope it encourages other companies and other individuals to come to the table and really help the nonprofit community deliver on their services,” said Charles Bowman, with Bank of America.

At Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s CLT Center, more than 50 volunteers from the Carolina Panthers, American Airlines and the United Service Organization of North Carolina made 200 nonsewn blankets for children who lost a loved one in the military.

Channel 9 was told that this is the first year the groups have come together to make the blankets, and event organizers said they will be given out to 33 families Dec. 9 during a send-off celebration at the Charlotte airport.

The families receiving the blankets are involved with Snowball Express, a nonprofit whose mission is to serve the families of military members who have died in the line of duty since 9/11. They’ll be traveling to Dallas next month, where they’ll join other military families.

Amanda Bundy, with USO of North Carolina-Fort Bragg, said it’s a special moment, especially for the children.

“These kids see these things going on, and they see their friends," Bundy said. "They see what is all done for them and their eyes just light up. It’s really heartwarming.”

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• FBI involved after Amber Alert issued for missing NC 3-year-old girl
• Arboretum carjacking leads to chase into Rock Hill; 2 arrested
• Great white shark attacks fisherman in 'horrifying scene' off California coast
• WATCH: Vicki Graf's Tuesday forecast outlook
• Mayor Roberts tweets about frustrations following final City Council meeting

Cox Media Group