November 26, 2008

Charlotte, NC -- For more than 35 years, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has orchestrated the CMPD Explorer Post Christmas Project to help families throughout the community during the holiday season. The goal this year is to reach 600 local families in need.

Collaborating with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' social services specialists, CMPD utilizes the Explorer Post Christmas Project to ensure that children with the greatest needs from every CMS elementary school stay fed over the holiday break. Additionally, these children receive coats, shoes and toys that they might not otherwise receive for Christmas.

Donations from the community provide each of the 600 families with a 40 to 50 pound package of food, a box of fruit and a small collection of toys. Contributions also help victims of fires in the month of December.

For those who wish to donate, checks may be sent to the care of Officer Tom Allen at 1770 Shopton Road, Charlotte, NC 28217. Checks can be made out to CMPD Explorer Post 247. For questions regarding donations, contact Captain Kathy Nichols at 704-985-4311 or Officer Tom Allen at 704-985-4313.