Chevrolet is on a Mission to Support Communities Across Illinois

CHICAGO, March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevrolet invites Illinoisans from across the state to submit community service Missions - tangible actions that make a positive difference and benefit communities - for the 2010 Illinois Chevy: Your Mission. Our Drive. program. The Chevy Missions team will support individuals and organizations that give back to their community by bringing Chevrolet vehicles and people together to help make local projects a success. Chevrolet's goal is to build and strengthen relationships in select cities and towns by loaning community Mission leaders the vehicles and volunteers they need to help drive their Mission forward - one mile at a time. Program information and application is live at http://bit.ly/ILChevyMissions.

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Illinois Chevy: Your Mission. Our Drive. kicked-off with a day of service in Riverdale, Ill., where Team Chevy volunteered with the Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs chapter to rehabilitate a home using Chevrolet vehicles to make the Mission a success and drive the organization's goal of providing safe, decent homes for families in need.

"We appreciate the support Chevrolet provided to the Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs chapter as part of the Illinois Chevy: Your Mission. Our Drive. program, and I encourage other organizations throughout the state to apply," said David Tracy, executive director, Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs. "The support of Chevrolet trucks to haul and remove building materials and the sweat equity from Team Chevy volunteers helped accelerate getting a family into a home we are rehabilitating."

Chevrolet will continue their charge to support 25 Missions in various communities across the state of Illinois. For each Mission, Chevrolet will provide an individual or an organization with select Chevrolet vehicles - loaned out on a short-term basis - to help execute local community projects. Through short-term vehicle loans, Chevrolet is offering a unique way for Illinoisans to test drive some of its best-selling vehicles and experience a Chevrolet from behind the wheel - while also making a positive difference in Illinois communities.

"Chevrolet is America's brand and we are doing America's work," said Maurice Williams, regional sales & marketing manager, Chevrolet. "Chevrolet believes in the power of giving back to the community and we want people to get behind the wheel of our vehicles to experience them on their own terms and in their own neighborhoods. We look forward to connecting with Illinoisans throughout the state as part of the Your Mission. Our Drive. program."

Throughout Illinois, Missions will not only be supported by Chevrolet vehicles, but by community members who want to join in and support local causes. Chevrolet has a strong network of dealerships across Illinois who care about making their community a better place. Volunteers for Team Chevy, who participated in the Habitat for Humanity service day in Riverdale, included owners and employees from area dealerships.  Chevrolet of Homewood,  Apple Chevrolet in Tinley Park and Webb Chevrolet in Oak Lawn joined in to help drive Habitat for Humanity's Mission Forward.

"Chevrolet of Homewood has always given back to the community, which is why we wanted to participate in the Chevrolet Mission with Habitat for Humanity," said Steve Phillipos, owner, Chevrolet of Homewood. "We are more than just a great location to test drive or buy a car, we are part of the community and being involved means helping out where and whenever we can."

To learn more and get involved with Illinois Chevy: Your Mission. Our Drive. follow us at twitter.com/chevymissions or visit http://bit.ly/ILChevyMissions.

About Chevrolet: Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands, and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevy has nine models that offer an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, and offers three hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 bio-fuel have been sold. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and strives to provide the best value in every segment in which it competes. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com. For more information on the Volt, visit http://media.gm.com/volt.

Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs (HFHCSS):  The mission of HFHCSS is to work in partnership with volunteers to build decent houses for families who otherwise would live in substandard conditions.  By providing safe, comfortable energy efficient housing, the affiliate dramatically changes the lives of partner families while also strengthening the communities that are served.  Since it was founded in 1998, HFHCSS has completed 38 homes. In 2010, the affiliate plans to rehab seven homes and also provide neighborhood revitalization support for other needy families with programs involving weatherization and exterior painting.

SOURCE Chevrolet