Christmas on Comstock spreads holiday cheer with Make-A-Wish Arizona
But it also shines a light on an important cause – granting wishes for Arizona children.
“The families on our street wanted to establish a holiday tradition where we could both create memories for our kids and give back to wish kids facing critical illnesses who need a little extra hope,” said Brian, who has lived in the neighborhood since 2010.
“Each year, we put up a donation box and we see everything from little kids bringing coins to families with checks to people who aren’t physically able to get out of their car but personally hand us a donation,” shared Brian’s wife, Mindy. “It’s amazing that so many people who visit our lights feel the spirit to give.”
In fact, Christmas on Comstock has raised more than $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Arizona and in 2015, they were featured on the ABC television show The Great Christmas Light Fight and won!
“It’s remarkable because we all come from different backgrounds, but the 13 houses on our street join together every year for this common purpose to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
“We really appreciate every single person who supports us each year to make this possible,” Brian continued. “We’ve grown so much that the Town of Gilbert has been kind enough to partner with us to assist with traffic control and we even have a wish grandpa, Mike, who plays Santa Claus every year and personally hands out thousands of candy canes that he and his wife purchase on their own! He’s never missed a Make-A-Wish night – even while fighting his own battle with cancer.”
To continue to build their connection to the Make-A-Wish mission, Christmas on Comstock hosts a special night each year for wish kids and their families.
“We have activities for the kids like gingerbread house-making, playing under the snow machines, hayrides, and, of course, our Santa Claus Mike is on site,” said Brian. “There are a lot of great people in this world who have kind hearts and want to make a difference.”
Once the holidays are over, the neighbors always make time to get together for an annual tradition.
“The first Sunday in January, we roll all the coins and take them to the bank,” said Mindy. “Then, everyone from the neighborhood heads to the Make-A-Wish Arizona Wish House to drop off a big check for all the money we raised.”
“It’s invaluable for the children to be a part of this and see their impact on wish kids,” Mindy continues. “Looking back, you don’t always remember the Christmas presents you receive but you remember time together as a family. We want our kids to carry these memories so they will continue to make the world a better place.”
