OLIVE BRANCH, MS (abc24.com) - Presents are a big part of the holidays. A Mississippi pastor is making sure St. Jude children get them throughout the entire year. The Olive Branch resident uses his holiday light display to raise money for the hospital's toy closet.
The lights turn on at 5 o'clock every night. The show's creator calls this fanfare "Joy for Jude." He hopes those who come to see the lights will leave a little something behind.
"If our lights have brightened your night maybe you'll help us brighten their day," says David Helmic. A chorus line of trees, piles of presents, angels and reindeer all twinkle away in his front yard.
The synchronized musical display is found on Meadow Ridge Lane in Olive Branch. At night cars line up in front of the house. They come for the sights; while there many choose to donate to a cause close to Helmic's heart.
"Every cent that's given goes to St. Jude," he says.
It's the second year the Mississippi pastor has raised money for the hospital's young patients.
"To kind of brighten a sad day they're allowed to go to the toy room and select a toy. I thought we could help with that… Last year people gave $1,700, which amazed me because we don't go car to car; we don't ask anyone for it. It's just a box. If you can, if you want to, then make a donation. If you can't, enjoy the lights."
Helmic started the light display on Thanksgiving night. He's already raised $500. He wants to beat last year's donation, so he's hoping the next two weeks see plenty cars driving down this street. You have until Christmas night to see it.
