A neighborhood holiday tradition is once again lighting up midtown Kansas City while helping neighbors in need.Organizers call it the “Garden of Lights,” a massive display stretching across 43rd and Walnut streets. More than 7,000 holiday lights and 150 Christmas trees are part of this year’s exhibit, now in its fourth year.“We start decorating on November 1, the day after Halloween. It took us three weeks,” said organizer Frankie Matoes.The display draws families and visitors each night, offering a bright spot of joy during the holiday season.“And the whole idea is to bring joy to the community,” Matoes said.But the lights are also there to help shine a spotlight on Shelter KC, which serves individuals facing homelessness. Through January 2, visitors are encouraged to walk the display and bring canned food or essential items to donate.“This is a way to help our community, the shelters and show to the world and everybody in Kansas City that if we come together, we can help even in a little way,” Matoes said.The goal this year is to collect 1,000 pounds of food, up from 800 pounds last year.“We’d like to invite everybody to stop by and just walk through the garden. Take a pictures,” he said.Visitors can also sign a card that will be delivered along with the donations, a reminder that the gift came from the entire community.And as Matoes puts it:“One little thing, a gesture of joy that we can put in somebody’s smile or life. It makes a difference.”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
A neighborhood holiday tradition is once again lighting up midtown Kansas City while helping neighbors in need.
Organizers call it the “Garden of Lights,” a massive display stretching across 43rd and Walnut streets.
More than 7,000 holiday lights and 150 Christmas trees are part of this year’s exhibit, now in its fourth year.
“We start decorating on November 1, the day after Halloween. It took us three weeks,” said organizer Frankie Matoes.
The display draws families and visitors each night, offering a bright spot of joy during the holiday season.
“And the whole idea is to bring joy to the community,” Matoes said.
But the lights are also there to help shine a spotlight on Shelter KC, which serves individuals facing homelessness.
Through January 2, visitors are encouraged to walk the display and bring canned food or essential items to donate.
“This is a way to help our community, the shelters and show to the world and everybody in Kansas City that if we come together, we can help even in a little way,” Matoes said.
The goal this year is to collect 1,000 pounds of food, up from 800 pounds last year.
“We’d like to invite everybody to stop by and just walk through the garden. Take a pictures,” he said.
Visitors can also sign a card that will be delivered along with the donations, a reminder that the gift came from the entire community.
And as Matoes puts it:
“One little thing, a gesture of joy that we can put in somebody’s smile or life. It makes a difference.”
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