First Lady Diana Rauner is leading an effort to provide holiday cheer for Illinois members of the military.
The 2018 Holiday Hero Drive sends holiday cards and socks to Illinois service men and women, including those currently overseas. The drive is in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA), and the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association.
“Our active duty military and veterans have made countless sacrifices to preserve our way of life, and it is vital that we always remember and support our Illinois heroes,” Mrs. Rauner said. “Holiday cards and socks are simple gifts that can lift their spirits and show our men and women in uniform that we appreciate their service.”
Cards and socks also can be dropped off at one of more than 80 local Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) veteran service officer locations around the state or, at the Governor’s Mansion, 410 E. Jackson St., Springfield. IDVA runs 49 full-time and 35 part-time offices in 80 out of Illinois’ 102 counties. The offices are staffed by more than 60 individual Veteran Service Officers. Locations can be found here: https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans.
Cards and socks can also be mailed now through Nov. 20 to the following address:
USO of Illinois – Holiday Hero Drive
333 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 2226
Chicago, IL 60601