Local company brings Christmas joy to little patients

AURORA - Christmas came a little early for 27 patients at The Children's Hospital and their families.

Friday, patients with the Medical Day Treatment program received presents from Universal Lending.

The program reaches out to children who suffer from chronic illnesses - some are waiting for transplants or have severe diabetes.

These are kids who can't attend school or live life without constant care.

It can definitely be a strain on families - that's why for several years now, Universal Lending has raised money to purchase gifts for the patients, and their parents and siblings.

"When we saw the opportunity to help these children and their families, and we know how important it is to help the rest of the families, we chose this part of Children's Hospital to be giving to. We know there are many needy children, but we found that being able to reach out to the families is just terrific," said Pete Lansing, president of Universal Lending.

Universal Lending prepares weeks in advance. In all, it raised $10,000 to purchase gifts for the families.