Chicago Bears Care A Lot for Auburn Gresham Families In Need
Reprinted from DNA Info, By Evan F. Moore | December 19, 2016, Edited by Norma Sanders Jan. 11, 2017
Published: December 20, 2016
Leo X-mas celebration 12.19
Photo: Evan F. Moore
AUBURN GRESHAM — The Chicago Bears, Leo High School and the Chicago Police Department's Gresham (6th) District, hosted a holiday party for families from Auburn Gresham on Monday, December 19, 2016.
The event, which took place at Leo High School, was attended by 40-50 families in the community who needed an extra boost during the holiday season.
Click on the link below to watch video of this warn-hearted community celebration:
http://chgobrs.com/2hLWKFa
The families were treated to a dinner and holiday activities, including cookie decorating, holding a shopping area for the parents to shop for their kids, visits and photos with Santa Claus, a performance by Leo's Gospel Choir, along with an appearance by Staley Da Bear, the Bears' mascot. "We've been lucky to have them [Bears] as one of our community partners. Our students will be exposed to different things such as seeing Halas Hall, and holding other community events," said Shaka Rawls, Leo's principal. "Leo just happens to be the host of the event. This is a culmination of several parties being involved. Leo likes to think of itself as a part of the community."
Bears Care, the charitable arm of the team, reached out to Leo and the Big Shoulders Foundation in order to build a relationship between the team and the school.
"Bears Care developed a relationship with Leo High School this fall through the Big Shoulders Foundation. Our goal is to not only help the school financially, we wanted to do some things hands on," said Marge Hamm, director of Bears Care. "It was a natural fit to bring our holiday event here. Everything is here for the parents to shop for their kids."
Many of the Auburn Gresham community members were thankful for the boost during this holiday season. Antonio Coleman brought his children to the event after he was contacted by Leo staff members.
"Unfortunately, I lost my job so Christmas was going to be rough this year, so it was a blessing I would be able to come to an event like this," Coleman said. "The school asked us to be a part of this. I'm glad we said yes."
The holiday was also attended by Chicago Bears staff and personnel, Leo High School staff, 6th district Cmdr. William Bradley, members of the Chicago Police's Mounted Unit, along with school alumni.