An inflatable winter wonderland, twinkling lights and a dancing mascot. Sir Purr’s Tree Lot with the Carolina Panthers recently brought holiday cheer to more than 350 families in Charlotte. The drive-thru giveaway event was part of Lowe’s larger Giving Tuesday commitment to donate and deliver $1 million worth of pre-lit Christmas trees to families and organizations impacted by the pandemic.
Local families were identified by Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and the McCrorey YMCA. Some experienced job loss or a reduction in hours as a result of the pandemic.
Families first drove by Panthers mascot Sir Purr, who was dressed as Santa and dancing on top of his bus, before heading through one of two lines.
Enthusiastic, masked volunteers loaded a boxed Christmas tree in each vehicle at their first stop. During a second stop, families received boxed popcorn, hot chocolate kits and a surprise envelope.
Smiles got bigger as families learned Carolina Panthers Charities, the Carolina Panthers and the Player Impact Committee provided each family with a $100 Visa gift card. Panthers owners Dave and Nicole Tepper stopped by to greet families driving through the lot.
