Minneapolis Star Tribune staff members have taken the initiative to prevent the newspaper's closure, KARE 11 reported. Monday marks the beginning of an employee effort, appealing to readers to help rescue the newspaper.

Staff are seeking the advice and support of readers to adopt a successful model with the message: "It's your paper and we need your help to save it." The paper has already opened a new Web site and Facebook page and an online site for subscription purchase.

The newspaper's staff targeted Minnesota Twins baseball fans at Monday's home opener, handing out paper hats and scorecards, in an attempt to reach out to the local community and create interest in the paper and Web site, KARE 11 reported.

Since the Star Tribune filed for bankruptcy in January, hundreds of staff have lost their jobs.