The police team putting unity in the community

Yesterday, an amazing community outreach happened at Bank of America stadium.

The Carolina Panthers, WBT and WSOC-TV invited the community to a special Hancock’s Bikes for Kids collection day, where new bikes for need-based young people were donated.

It was beautiful. 623 bikes were donated.

At some point during the 10-hour event, a bike was handled by a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department community outreach team.

Hancock’s Bikes for Kids was started by retired WBT-AM radio personality John Hancock 28 years ago and has collected more than 20,000 new bikes for children since its inception.

CMPD’s community outreach team was led by Lt. LeBraun Evans who orchestrated with precision the officers, police cadets and high school students who participate in one of the department’s youth programs.

“Being able to come out and help our community is what we love to do,” Evans said. “Today is a great example of what we can achieve together.

Several community partners came together for this year’s collection including Carolina Panthers, WSOC-TV, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Crisis Assistance Ministry and Northside Baptist Church.

The police department’s outreach team consistently works in the community.

From large food distributions to small acts of kindness, these officers are always lending a hand to help make Charlotte and Mecklenburg County a better place to live.

Bikes began being donated at 10 a.m. and the police team were the last to leave at 9 p.m. after they packed up all the bikes at the stadium.

After the bikes were transported to another location, the outreach team unloaded all 623 bikes.

The donated bikes will be distributed to kids who will be identified by Crisis Assistance Ministry.

An independent nonprofit agency, Crisis Assistance Ministry focuses on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s working poor — providing assistance with rent, utilities, clothing and furniture.

As the evening wrapped up, there was loud applause from the event organizers for the dedicated CMPD community team.

Bikes for Kids on Eyewitness News at 11 p.m.

“We thank you for the sacrifice that you make, and your families have to make to serve our community,” said Mike Landrum, senior pastor of Northside Baptist Church. “I hope you go home tonight and tell your families thank you for us because we see the incredible gift of service you give to our community.”

In between the smiles and laughter throughout the day was an enormous amount of teamwork that will end up giving some children in need a very Merry Christmas.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, public affairs manager at WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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