Generosity was on full display at the light show

Some folks string dainty lights on their Christmas trees, hang their ornaments and call it a wrap for their holiday decorations. And then there’s Chuck Rodgers’ 30+ years of making holiday magic happen with millions of lights and hundreds of inflatables and statues, all accompanied by a variety of musical serenades as cars drive through his yard atop 79th Street just south of Highway 52.

For the past five years Rodgers has given spectators an opportunity to spread the joy they’re feeling in the midst of the festive display by donating to Longmont Meals on Wheels. The 2019 event brought in nearly $8,000 and 160 pounds of shelf-stable provisions for the Longmont nonprofit that delivers meals to those who are unable to shop or prepare food on their own.

Rodgers hoped that just as his display grows each season with novel new additions of figures and lights, the donations would be little bit larger, which is exactly what has happened. But, precisely like the rest of 2020, Rodgers could never have imagined what was going to happen next. By the time the twinkling lights were taken down and stored away, cash donations totaled $21,860 and 610 pounds of food had been collected.

Hard times can lead to tremendous generosity and this year, with the pandemic causing exceptionally difficult times, Rodgers’ theory is that’s why donations were so remarkable.

Whatever the reason for the influx of kindness, it’s a fantastic way to end a difficult year – with the community helping to feed others.