Chicago Bears and The Mash Team Up to Hold Virtual Book Drive

CHICAGO, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Bears and The Mash, Chicago Tribune's weekly teen publication, are joining forces to solicit online book donations for three local school libraries, now through May 6. With assistance and support from Chicago Public Schools, the selected recipients - Fenger, Kelly, and Alcott High Schools – have created a wish list of books, with a goal of receiving at least 75 books, per school.

This collaboration reaffirms the Bears' commitment to making a difference in the community and furthers Chicago Tribune's investment in and support of youth education and literacy. Promotion for the virtual book drive includes advertising in Chicago Tribune media products, Bears community outreach, and employee communications.

"While news literacy is of great importance to us at The Mash and Chicago Tribune, there is a pressing need for reading to become a bigger part of the youth lifestyle," says Mash General Manager, Maggie Wartik. "We ask the Chicago community to help these schools generate a variety of books for students to choose from."

The Mash is Chicago Tribune's teenage journalism program and media brand, bringing a free youth newspaper to more than 200 Chicagoland high schools weekly. Funded by the Chicago Tribune, The Mash pays and trains student journalists to develop and produce appealing, age-appropriate content, available only on high school campuses.

"The Chicago Bears understand the importance books play in the learning process for children," remarks George McCaskey, Chicago Bears Chairman of the Board. "We are excited to join The Mash and Chicago Tribune to create awareness and interest in this virtual book drive while supporting hundreds of high school students in Chicago."

Visit www.chicagobears.com/bookdrive between April 11 and May 6 to purchase books from the wish lists created by each school's librarian. At the culmination of the drive, donated books will be delivered to schools by both Tribune and Chicago Bears personnel.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group
Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune. CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago Magazine, Naperville Magazine, TribLocal, The Mash, chicagonow.com and metromix.com. Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland.

About Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears Football Club is dedicated to making a difference in our community. The Bears organization inspires positive change and enriches the lives of others through outreach programs, initiatives and partnerships. We are proud to give back to the community that has supported us since 1920.

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group