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These programs provide assistance and relief for families and youths:
"ROOKIE RALLY" SUPPORTING THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK
The Bears 2005 Rookie Class joined General Manager Jerry Angelo in volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. For two hours, the Bears helped sort, label, inspect and repackage meat for distribution. In all, the rookies packed 371 boxes, which contained over 7,420 pounds of beef, pork, and poultry! The food that the group packaged provided over 6,000 meals for those in need throughout Lake County. This was the first of four volunteer activities the rookie class participated in as part of the "Rookie Rally " program, which was created by the Bears Community Relations department to involve the team's first year players, as a group, in charitable activities throughout the season.
18th ANNUAL CHICAGO BEARS/DOMINICK'S "COAT DRIVE"
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Please log on to www.Dominicks.com/storelocator.asp for exact Dominick’s store locations or contact the Salvation Army at (773) 205-3636 for additional information.
The Bears "Home Team Hand-Off" ticket donation program allows Chicago Bears players and coaches the opportunity to purchase a block of tickets to all home games and donate them to a charitable organization of their choice. The charity distributes the tickets to those less fortunate, so they have the chance to experience a Bears game at Soldier Field. The following Bears players and coaches participated in the "Home Team Hand-Off" program during the 2005 season:
- Lovie Smith presents "The Smith Crew" in support of the American Diabetes Association
- Mike Brown presents "Brown's Bombers" in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
- Roberto Garza presents "Roberto's Amigos" in support of Los Amigos de Roberto
- Adewale Ogunleye presents "Wale's Warriors" in support of Allendale Association and the Chicago Urban League
- John Tait presents "Tait's Tots" in support of the SEDOL Foundation and the Center for Rehabilitation and Education
- Muhsin Muhammad presents "Moose's Herd" in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Charles Tillman presents "Peanut's Gallery" in support of Lawrence Hall Youth Services and Lydia Home
- Brian Urlacher presents "Urlacher's Backers" in support of Special Olympics Illinois and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
To help brighten the holidays for underprivileged children and families in Chicagoland, the Bears conduct an annual turkey drive around Thanksgiving time. Hundreds of meals are distributed to needy families in housing developments and religious affiliations. The Bears wives have also traditionally supported the Lake County Haven, a transitional homeless shelter for women and children, by purchasing holiday gift baskets for the residents.
Over 45 kids and parents from Arden Shore Child and Family Services were guests of the Bears for Hispanic Day at Training Camp. The day started off with a pizza party in a private tent, which was immediately followed by the afternoon practice session. The highlight of the day was a visit from Bears guard Roberto Garza, tight end Gabe Reid, and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, who stopped by to sign autographs and meet the kids at the end of practice. Afterwards, the kids took full advantage of the day's other festivities, which included the Lay's Kids Interactive Zone, a live broadcast with La Ley radio station, and other special events for Hispanic Day.
The Chicago Bears continually support boys and girls in need by visiting various youth agencies. Bears players have been involved in special events with organizations such as Allendale Association, Chicago Housing Authority, Lattof YMCA, Maryville Academy, Uhlich Children's Advantage Network, Kids Hope United, Lambs Farm, Union League Boys and Girls Club, SEDOL Foundation, among many more.
