Aurora Secures $360K Donation For PPE For City's Warming Center

AURORA, IL — Mayor John Laesch secured one of the largest donations of personal protective equipment in Aurora's history to "help shield residents ... from the spread of disease this winter," officials said.

Teinnovations, an Aurora-based packaging company, donated $360,000-worth of gear that will be used at the city's temporary overnight warming center, which opens at 712 S. River St. when overnight temperatures dip below 32 degrees or during wind chill advisories.

"This generous and unprecedented donation will help those who are most vulnerable feel safe and protected this winter," Mayor Laesch said. "I appreciate Teinnovations' assistance in caring for our residents, while continuing to invest in our community."

Laesch and Teinnovations Founder Daniel Tein hosted a ceremony Thursday morning to commemorate the donation at the company's headquarters, 700 N. Commerce St.

"Teinnovations is honored to make this donation to the City of Aurora," Tein said in a statement. "We enjoyed collaborating with Mayor Laesch on this initiative, and look forward to continuing to invest in and care for those who call Aurora home."

The city also plans to partner with Hesed House to help further distribute the PPE.