CHARLOTTE -- The temperatures are continuing to drop. For those without a home, spending these winter nights outside can be a nightmare. 

Thanks to a generous donation, CMPD is buying new supplies to help the homeless. 

The Steve Smith Family Foundation donated $2,000 so officers can carry blankets and sleeping bags in their patrol cars. 

Rob Tufano with CMPD says the blankets will be given to the homeless, and others in need. 

For those out on the street during these freezing nights, a blanket could be the difference between life and death. 

"A lot of us take it for granted. We put a blanket on ourselves at night when we get cold, a lot of these people don't," Tufano said. "This is life-changing stuff for some of the members of our community. I can't underscore that enough. If we can get more of those blankets in patrol cars, and constantly keep them stocked like that, it would be a big help."

CMPD is also starting a blanket drive so officers can continue to help those in need. They are asking people to drop off new blankets and sleeping bags at 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.