The Timberwolves and the Minneapolis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross teamed up on Nov. 17 to inform students from Jefferson Elementary School about the importance of winter weather safety and fire safety.

Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen read the story of B. Safe Bear to the students as part of the Timberwolves' Reading Time Out. Following the reading, B. Safe Bear and staff from the Minneapolis Area Red Cross shared interactive presentations on winter weather and fire safety with the children, featuring the Safety Mobile.

In an effort to promote the importance of reading, on-line literacy and parent/child reading, the National Basketball Association, the Women's National Basketball Association, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx have developed a year-round program called "Read to Achieve." The program, which targets children ages 6-11, includes monthly reading events (Reading Time Outs), a local and national "All-Star Reading Team," the development and/or refurbishing of reading centers, local book donations, public service announcements, interactive Web site activities and in-arena promotions.

The students demonstrated different types of hats.

With help from All-Star Reading Team member Chris Conangla, the students discussed the importance of having a fire escape route.

All-Star Reading Team member Tom Smith dressed Little Bear in warm winter clothes, with hints from the students.