Aurora sending gifts to residents on active military duty

Receiving mail from your hometown while on active military duty is a welcomed surprise. For those stationed away from home during the holiday season, that surprise is even more special.

Aurora's annual Gifts from Home program honors active military personnel from the city by providing them with a holiday package, including a gift card to use for online purchases, an Aurora memento, and a personalized letter.

"As a young soldier, receiving mail from home was heartwarming," said Mayor Richard C. Irvin, a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. "Something like this from my hometown would have inspired me to work even harder."

To register an active member of the military from Aurora, visit www.aurora-il.org/GiftsFromHome.

To ensure timely delivery for the holidays, the deadline to submit information is noon on Monday, Nov. 13.