GREENFIELD — Terry Turner’s love of twinkling Christmas lights began when he was a child.
Every December, his mom would load the family into the car to spend an evening driving through neighborhoods in search of the most festive holiday displays.
Now in his 30s, Turner’s love of Christmas decorations has turned into a way for him to support local programs and give back to his community.
Annually, Turner strings thousands of bulbs around his house at 1112 E. McClarnon Drive, creating a unique light show set to music. And for one weekend in December, the light show turns into a fundraiser for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department’s Shop with a Deputy program.
From 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Turner is inviting Hancock County families to visit his neighborhood to see the lights, enjoy the music and support needy children in Hancock County by donating their spare change for the fourth annual TC Christmas Lightshow. Santa will be on hand to pass out candy canes.
Proceeds will be given to the shop with a deputy program, which provides presents to underprivileged local children at Christmastime.
Deputies and their families took children shopping last weekend, but funds for the program are collected year-round, said Sheriff Mike Shepherd.
Donations such as Turner’s have enabled the department to increase the amount of money it spends on each child. Just a few years ago, the children were given a $200 budget for clothes, shoes, winter coats and toys. Now, the department spends $300 per child, Shepherd said.
“Shop with a Deputy is a big hit with the kids,” Shepherd said. “These kids wouldn’t be getting as much without it.”
Turner estimates his light show has raised about $2,000 during the past three years.
This year, he put up between 10,000 and 12,000 lights, which are programmed to flash in time to music on the radio. Passers-by just tune their car stereos and enjoy the show. A special lighted sign alerts them to the frequency, which broadcasts only near the house.
It takes about 40 hours total to set up the display, he said, and he usually takes the week of Thanksgiving off of work to get the job done.
He expects hundreds of people to drive through his neighborhood to see the display, and he hopes they all donate to his cause, he said.
“These kids only get this once a year,” Turner said. “It’s not about the lights; it’s about the community.”
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Greenfield resident Terry Turner is hosting a fundraiser for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department’s Shop with a Deputy program Saturday during his annual Christmas light show at his home.
Passersby will be asked to donate spare change to the program. Here’s what you need to know:
What — 2016 TC Christmas Lightshow
Where — 1112 E. McClarnon Drive, Greenfield
When — 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday
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