A family in Centre County has made it their annual tradition to light up State College and help a local charity along the way.
‘Tis the season to shine bright.
And for the Stoner family, they do that with about 30,000 bulbs that are strategically placed on their home and synchronized to jolly jams by Lizzie and her mom Karen.
“And whenever I see how hard I’ve worked on it, whenever I see what appears outside, it makes me feel really happy,” Lizzie said.
For four years, Lizzie and her parents have set up their lights, inviting the community to enjoy the show.
It’s free but they hope you’re dazzled enough to give back.
Lizzie’s dad, Eric, said “we gauge the success of our lights by people actually donating to the charity.”
Every year they partner with a charity to donate to on their ‘Go Fund Me’ page.
This year its the Jared Box Project, which gives kids in the hospital a care package and a happy distraction during a potentially scary time.
Lizzie got one herself a few years ago when she had appendicitis
“When I got the Jared Box with all the toys and the animals, I was just really happy and it lifted my spirit,” Lizzie said.
It’s a project that’s touched the hearts of many families in the Centre Region, including Kerri Smith.
Smith is a songwriter in State College and her custom holiday song that was just recently used in a Hallmark movie is also featured in the Christmas lights show!
“It was originally written to be placed in film or tv but it ended up being a perfect fit,” Smith said.
Smith said this festive project incorporates great things our community has to offer.
“I want people to feel all the happy holiday feelings,” Smith said.
And the people behind the hard work hope to spread the holiday spirit.
“We want them to remember to do this for a good cause and we want to remember that everyone gets a good Christmas,” Lizzie said.
The light show runs daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 107 Harvest Run Road N., State College, PA.