CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Panthers didn't just send a check to the local food bank to help with holidays.
The team sent a busload of cheering fans, TV cameras, photographers, cheerleaders and the team mascot, Sir Purr, on Tuesday.
Carolina Panthers tight end Jeff King helped officials at Second Harvest open a gift-wrapped check the size of a throw rug.
The donation of $73,778 represents $1 for each seat in Bank of America Stadium, where the team plays.
Second Harvest Executive Director Kay Carter says she was ready to cry at the size of the gift, which will pay for 354,000 meals. Demand for the food pantry's service has been up as much as 40 percent this year, compared with two years ago.
