In the Christmas spirit: Family uses Christmas decorations to benefit a good cause

WABASH, Ind. (WANE) - This is the third year the Watkins family has created a Christmas display for their community that benefits Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

The homeowner said he picked Riley because of a personal connection.

“Because I went to Riley myself as a child, so you know when the thought of the donations came up for the show, it was kind of the first place we thought of," Nicholas Watkins, the homeowner said.

Over the past three years, the family has collected just over $7000 in donations. This year, they have a goal to raise $5000, and they have collected just under $1000 in the first 10 days of the month. The family will present a check with everything they raised to the children in January.

“We have so many people that come by and say my child went to Riley or my grandson or granddaughter went to Riley, and when they find out I went to Riley as well it almost brings us together as family, and that’s what Christmas is all about," Watkins said.

The entire family helps put up the lights, a process that takes about a month. This year there are 102,383 lights on the house.  However, Watkins said it only increases his power bill by about $200 for the month.

Watkins said he plans for the upcoming year's light show a year in advance. The show typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

Watkins said when he started the lights three years ago, he never imagined it would grow to what it is now.

“Amazing. I am completely dumbfounded, just awestruck; you know that it has been so large," Watkins said. "Our neighbors have been very supportive and don’t mind the light show at all. ”

People can visit the home located at 458 Vermont St, Wabash, IN 46992, Sunday - Thursday from 5:30 - 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5:30 - 11.

You can also find out more about the show here .