Aurora part of anti-violence, anti-drug events

The message is simple: Stay away from violence and drugs.

It's a point Aurora residents will hear again and again in coming weeks as the city gears up to participate in two campaigns: A Week Without Violence and Red Ribbon Week.

The violence prevention initiative, also sponsored nationwide by the YWCA, runs Sunday through Oct. 20.

Aurora's Red Ribbon Week, from Oct. 21-27, aims to raise awareness about youth substance abuse. A red ribbon stands for zero tolerance for drug use.

The Aurora YWCA and the city are teaming up to hold all the events, which include a prayer walk, candlelight vigil and several outreach programs. Many schools will offer their own activities.

The YWCA's main event is "Pancakes for Peace," a free breakfast open to the public from 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 20 at 201 N. River St.

"Project Confidence," a new outreach program designed to empower women, will be launched at that time.

A prayer walk around the city, sponsored by the Aurora Community Church, also will be included in the week's activities. Participants will walk around the city's perimeter for 15 miles daily from Wednesday through Friday.

"We're praying about the needs of our city," the Rev. Dan Haas said. "It's been a great experience the last three years."

For a detailed route, visit auroracommunitychurch.org after Sunday.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, participants can join in the first annual Kane County Peace Garden Candlelight Vigil at the YWCA, 201 N. River St., to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence.

As part of the overall campaign, residents also are encouraged to turn in unwanted firearms to reduce the number of guns on the street.

For information on the weapon turn-in program, call Aurora police at (630) 859-1700 or the Kane County sheriff at (630) 232-6840.

For more information on the YWCA and city campaigns, visit www.ywca.org/aurora.