HUBER HEIGHTS — A Huber Heights couple mixes holiday cheer and giving to kids in need each year on Christmas.
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News Center 7′s Taylor Robertson spoke with the couple about why this year is their last light display.
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The Dodge’s home stands out on their street, fully decked out in Christmas decor and lights that flash to the beat of music.
Brandon and Shannon Dodge have done this level of decoration for the last 15 years, hoping people will visit and donate to Toys for Tots.
This year alone, they collected 12 bins of toys.
“It’s really one of the organizations that benefits just kids,” Brandon Dodge said. “It’s a direct impact. It’s a lot of volunteers, people are there for that one goal, to serve your families.”
Brandon and Shannon have lived in Huber Heights for a while, and love to give back to the community.
“We spend a lot of time working with community cares group and here in the city. We spend time being Cindy Lou Who and dressing up as the grinch, sometimes Santa and Mrs Claus, and going to events throughout the community, whether it’s the parade or different events,” Shannon said.
All that is in addition to the time it takes to set up their massive Christmas light display.
“It’s the spirit of giving. Our goal is to spread Christmas cheer,” Brandon said. “Watching the kids stick their head out the window and cheer on Santa on the window and just watching that just brings us joy. I think it spreads love, too, with Christmas.”
After more than a decade of lighting up their home, this is the last year the Dodge’s plan to do it.
“Getting older, I don’t think I’ll bounce real well if I do fall through it,” Brandon said. “Our future plan, or at least mine is right now, is there’s a gap between the 12-year-olds to 16-years-olds, so I would maybe think about starting a nonprofit for that to fill some needs there.”
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