Brother-in-law’s injury drives woman to collect care packages for Charlotte police

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A group of volunteers will be making care packages for Charlotte Police officers.

Kelsey Cortes, who lives in Jacksonville, had the idea to make care packages for the officers after her brother-in-law was injured in the Charlotte riots.

Cortes said police officers lay their lives on the line every day for us, so it’s important for the community to show their appreciation to the officers.

Cortes set up a Facebook page called “Charlotte Police Care Package,” and is asking the community to help out with donations for the care packages.

“All of C.M.P.D. is roughly 2,200 officers,” Cortes said. “We’re looking to hopefully make care packages for all of the Civil Emergency Unit which is roughly 700. Anything above and beyond that will just be distributed throughout the rest of C.M.P.D.”

Items that can be donated for the care packages include:

• Energy drinks, sports drinks, drink mixes
• Snacks and protein bars
• Coffee and doughnut gift cards
• Adult coloring books
• Any small or useful items such as coffee mugs, water bottles, note pads, chapstick, pens and handwarmers
• Dog treats for K9 officers

Area drop off locations include Mission BBQ in Wilmington, Mission BBQ in Jacksonville, Extreme Outfitters in Jacksonville, New River Harley-Davidson in Jacksonville, and the Swansboro Fire Department.

Collections in Jacksonville and Wilmington will end on Saturday, October 1 at 1 p.m.

A group of volunteers will package the items on Sunday and Monday. The group plans to deliver the care packages to C.M.P.D. on Tuesday.

For more information about Charlotte Police Care Packages, visit their Facebook page.