Spreading Christmas cheer
<p>SHAWN GUST/Press Brookelynn Jacobson, 8, feeds a carrot to to Dolly the camel as the animal’s handler Jeannene Christ, of Cute as a Bug Mobile Petting Zoo and Camel Rides, holds the reigns Monday night at Jeremy Morris’ Hayden home. Morris is collecting donations from the public who attend the holiday festivities that includes a lighting display, free cocoa and treats and visits from Santa Claus. Funds raised through Monday, December 22 at 1473 W. Cardinal Avenue will benefit the Children’s Village and the Emmett Paul Snyders Foundation.</p>
<p>TESS FREEMAN/Press Wayne and Rita Anderson light up Yaquina Drive with their Christmas display featuring dozens of candy canes, penguins and Olaf, the snowman from ‘Frozen.’</p>
It is that time of year when people often channel the spirit of Clark Griswold, and deck their homes in thousands of lights and holiday decorations.
A Hayden man whose home is shining brightly this season is adding some unique elements to his show of holiday cheer, and the effort will benefit two local charities.
From Dec. 15-22, Jeremy Morris, 1473 W. Cardinal Ave., will be offering sweet treats and hot chocolate to those passing by his home. Local carolers will provide festive tunes to accompany Morris' brilliant display of holiday lights.
Morris told The Press that helping children is at the center of his desire to spread Christmas cheer to his fellow residents. As such, he is asking that attendees at his light show, which goes from 6 to 8 p.m., give a $5 donation.
All of the money collected during the week will go directly to The Children's Village and the Emmett Paul Snyders Foundation, a local charity that provides resources to families with children afflicted with cancer.
"That's why this idea appealed to me," Morris said. "At the end of the day, it really is about giving back to the community."
If you know of a particularly brilliant home display in Kootenai County, The Press wants to hear about it so we can tell our readers where to find it.
Send the address, with the number, street and city, in a message to The Press at www.facebook.com/CDAPress or email the information to bwalker@cdapress.com.
Submit the addresses before Monday.
Here are the addresses that have been submitted to date:
HAYDEN
* 1473 W. Cardinal Ave.
* 179 E. Miles
COEUR d'ALENE
* 1905 W. Appleway Ave.
* 2905 E. Fernan Hill Road
RATHDRUM
* 15472 N. Ramsey Road
POST FALLS
* 1591 Yaquina Drive