Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers will be giving away 15,000 packs of Panthers football cards to local youth. All children have to do is simply ask a police officer for one of the collectible sets beginning the week of July 26.
The free football cards are part of a new community outreach program between the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Police Activities League (PAL). The goal of the program is to help build positive relationships between police officers and young people through the excitement of Carolina Panthers football.
The special 15-card sets, provided by the Disabled American Veterans organization, include 2009 Pro Bowl players Jon Beason and DeAngelo Williams and other popular Panthers players. Each 5" x 7" card features a photo of each player complete with information and statistics.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the Police Activities League to help engage children and police officers through this free program," said Peter Vacho, the Carolina Panthers youth football manager. "Football can act as a great way to get kids and officers to connect on a personal level, which is important for our entire community."
Police Activities League Executive Director Jeff Hood said, "PAL is so thankful for the continued support and partnership of the Carolina Panthers. An endeavor such as this, where the focus is to reach out and engage with our community's youth, while in the process of aiding them in the establishment of positive interaction and relationships with police officers is quite an awesome opportunity."
The cards will be available while supplies last.
