Chicago Authors Spruce Up Christmas for the Women Behind Prison Walls

Chicago, IL, November 02, 2006 --(PR.com)-- On Christmas morning many women all over the world scurry about the kitchen preparing dinner while their little children open presents and play with their favorite toys. However, that image of Christmas is a skewed depiction of the world around us. Consider the 1200 women at The Dwight Correctional Center (DCC), the pictures are quite different for them. There may or may not be a visit from their love ones. There may or may not be a gift to carry on the spirit of Christmas or put them in remembrance of their humanity. For most of these women on the inside, it’s just another day.

It was the beginning of Fall when Chicago authors Alethea Pascascio and Jessie Jamie Coleman decided they wanted to make a difference in these women’s lives. From there, their mission was born. They decided that not only would they go into the facilities and speak to the women at Christmas time, but that they would also give away a copy of their books and a journal. Their hope is to cultivate the joy of reading and writing as well as inspiring the inmates to move beyond their current circumstances by pursuing their passion.

Alethea and Jessie are so committed to their cause that they are actively seeking sponsorship from some of today’s biggest companies: Pepsi Cola, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Sky, Def Jam Records, Harpo Productions and Wal-mart, just to name a few. The authors are anticipating these companies helping them reach behind prison walls and making the inmate’s Christmas memorable while contributing to the improvement of literacy at the same time.

Also, a fund has been setup for individuals who are interested in donating money for books for incarcerated females. Funds are being accepted via Paypal (www.paypal.com). The user ID/Email is: PrisondFund@queenpublications.com.

According to recent research, the children of women who develop a love for reading and writing are most likely to have greater academic success.

Alethea and Jessie are scheduled to do a lecture at The Dwight Correctional Center on December 18, 2006. The authors believe it is imperative to let these women know that they are not forgotten.

Jessie Jamie Coleman is the author of The Boston Blue and Alethea Pascascio is the author of Bag Lady.

PRESS CONTACT: Alethea Pascascio: apascascio@comcast.net

###