Chicago, IL – February 7, 2007 – In collaboration with Red Gold, Jewel-Osco and the Alan Josephson Company, the Chicago Christian Industrial League (CCIL) will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable items at the Auto Show February 14 – 16. Participants are encouraged to bring in three or more non-perishable items and receive $5 off the $10 ticket to the show. Food drive booths will be stationed next to the ticket booths.

CCIL Executive Director Judy McIntyre is delighted for the opportunity to collaborate with such prominent sponsors and organizations on helping the homeless community. “The support we’ve received at the Auto Show the past five years has been remarkable. Each year the bar is raised to collect even more canned goods than the year before. The items we receive this year will be shared with our new Community Food Pantry open to serve disadvantaged people in the North Lawndale neighborhood as well as to our formerly homeless residents at our headquarters located at 2750 W. Roosevelt Road. We thank the Auto Show for their tremendous assistance and the attendees at the Auto Show for their generosity.”

Chicago showcases the entire gamut of automobile manufacturer offerings on a single show floor in the magnificent McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. The Chicago Auto Show runs from February 9 – 18 and features more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs and the always-ready-to-steal-the-show concepts.

Ways YOU can help drive away homelessness…

• Donate 3 or more canned goods and/or non-perishable items at the Auto Show
• Jewel-Osco Shop & Share Program – Jewel-Osco is instituting a shopping program on Feb. 19, 20 and 21 that will directly benefit CCIL. After shopping, present identification slips (sample slip below) with signature to the checkout person. A percentage will directly benefit CCIL. Identification slips can be retrieved at the Auto Show Food Drive or online at http://ccilworks.org/.

CCIL is one of the largest non-profit agencies empowering homeless individuals in returning to society as confident, self-sufficient people. Volunteers from CCIL, Jewel-Osco, and Red Gold will be on hand to collect food and greet donors. Last year more than 20,000 pounds of food was collected for the program.