LANCASTER, NY- Every Christmas season for 9 years, the residents in the Stony Brook neighborhood in Lancaster light up their homes and trees to raise money for local charities.
Jennifer and Harry Chomen came up with the idea in 2008.
"I just got the idea let's decorate the trees and do something good for kids," said Jennifer.
All nine streets in the sub-division off Pleasant View are involved.
"The kids absolutely love it. They love going through the arches. They love getting out. They love hearing the music. Some of the houses have music to them. The adults think it's wonderful, too. We get a mixture of all ages, and everyone has their own reaction, but I think the one thing is everybody wants to give," said Jennifer.
Stony Brook dedicated the donations the first year to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of WNY That was in 2008.
After that it was the Epilepsy Unit at Children's Hospital, followed by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in 2010. Carly's Club of Western New York was the recipient in 2011, followed by The Ronald McDonald House, the PICU at Children's Hospital, and the Kevin Guest House of Buffalo. Donations in 2015 Last year went to the Pediatric Essential Care Unit at Hospice. This year Stony Brook Shines is donating to the Children's Hospital Foundation for the completion of a Cystic Fibrosis Room.
The total raised over the years is well over $56,000.
"Everyone believes in the season and wants to help others and that's what it's all about," said Jennifer.
Visitors are welcome to drive or walk through the winter wonderland in Lancaster, and donate to Stony Brook Shines for Others, all the way through January 2nd. Click here for its website and more information.