At a time when hungry Iowans are struggling to feed their families, the annual holiday lights display in Beaverdale is doing something to help.

At her home on Ashby Avenue, Julie Marks is not only putting up a fabulous display, but is once again raising money for the Food Bank of Iowa.

KCCI-TV featured Marks’ story this week. As a young mom, she relied on food pantries to help feed her children. She told KCCI that now she’s giving back to meet a growing need.

Sightseers on Ashby Avenue contributed $27,000 in donations to Marks last year, and she hopes to top that this year.

Annette Hacker of the Food Bank of Iowa told KCCI that on a normal day, the organization gives away 100,000 pounds of food. Right now, the Food Bank is distributing 160,000 pounds per day.

“We are entirely supported by donors,” Hacker said. “So fundraisers like Julie Marks’ with Candy Cane Lane are critically important.”

Most homeowners in the Wallace Lane/Ashby Avenue neighborhood put on one of the metro’s most beautiful holiday lighting displays. The classic Beaverdale brick homes act as the backdrop for a creative display of colorful lights and holiday figurines.

The lights will be turned on starting December 3 and last through the holidays.

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