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Christmas light display helps raise money for Healing House

Randon's Place Healing House
Posted at 3:30 AM, Jan 14, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-14 08:18:29-05

Andy Blalock has decorated his home, to the extreme, for years.

In that time there has been talk about collecting donations to give to a local charity; and this year it stopped being "just talk" as the family took action.

"It further expands that spirit of Christmas," Blalock said. "This is what it's all about, that feeling that this is a special time that we look forward to. People seem to be more generous and caring of their fellow man. It gave us a chance to use that, harness that, and do good throughout the year."

A box set up near the driveway, over the course of a few weeks dollars and cents added up to just over $2,000.

"The people of Acadiana were able to, out of the goodness of their hearts, give to Healing House," Blalock said. "They're ensuring that a charity that does so much good work in this community continues to keep it's doors open. That way they can continue to provide free services to families and kids alike, and have some chance for them to get healing."

Kim Thackston, development director of Healing House, said even with everything shutting down their services had to continue.

People need them now more than ever.

"The holidays are very tough for grieving families," Thackston said. "It's a time where we want to be with our families and every one of our kids have experienced the death of someone close to them. These types of donations mean so much to Healing House so we can provide those services completely free of charge."

She said this type of fundraising may be a new way to help organizations like Healing House during tough times.

"I think this just shows that people in the community are willing to think outside of the box," Thackston said. "How do we help others? How is something that we are normally doing--how do we turn into something to benefit the community and those who need help."

As Blalock starts to take down his lights, he said they will do it again next year in hopes of raising even more money to help those who need it most.