Mishawaka light displays help to give back to the community

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – One of Mishawaka’s biggest neighborhood Christmas traditions is called “Gifts to the Community” and it took palce Monday evening.

Various Christmas light displays were featured at the Winding Brook Park neighborhood on Christmas Eve night.

Participants in the event take part in a celebration of decor and lights that work to bring the neighborhood to life during the Christmas season.

The celebration has been going on for over 50 years in this community with the help of the Winding Brook Park Association.

The event goes on for 19-days and raises money for a different charity each night.

Proceeds from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for example, will go to benefit Hanna’s House which benefits women and children in Mishawaka.

Those involved tell ABC57 that being able to help others while displaying pride in their community makes the hours of light preparation worth every second.

“I’m a rookie. I know neighbors who have been here for 50 years, since the neighborhood was built and they still hold that pride. They’re the ones that started it, I’m just trying to keep it going,” said Dean Vellos, winner of the Griswold Award at the event.

The event is free but organizers ask that those visiting do make some sort of donation to the causes.

The neighborhood will be open for visitors until 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.