CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One of Charlotte's most well-known families is giving $1 million to launch an emergency winter fund to help families in need.

It's called the Critical Need Response Fund and it was announced Tuesday at Foundation for the Carolinas.

Philanthropists Sandra and Leon Levine, founders of Family Dollar, started the fund.

"With the season of Thanksgiving still fresh in our minds, it's important to express with gratitude not only through words but through gestures," Sandra Levine said.

Many of the area's charities are experiencing record requests for help while many those organizations are also seeing their funding levels below normal.

These organizations could start getting assistance right away from the emergency fund, which is a partnership made up of the Leon Levine Foundation, Mecklenburg Ministries, United Way of Central Carolinas, the Charlotte Chamber and Foundation for the Carolinas.

Leon Levine said he expects that more money will come from the community.

"It is our hope that our $1 million gift will inspire others to give to this important cause," he said. "I believe in the collective power of individuals in the community to make this happen."

The emergency fund will operate through March, during the region's colder months, and will serve a variety of charities based on need, among them Loaves and Fishes and Crisis Assistance Ministries.

Three charities received grants of $100,000 Tuesday morning and a couple of others received grants of $50,000 to help with their efforts to help those in need.

To learn more or to donate, visit www.fftc.org.