Ashby Avenue in Beaverdale is known for its well-decorated homes during the holiday season. People venture out on nights to take a peek at what all of the houses have to offer. At one home, in particular, people do more than look at the lights. They also donate to the Food Bank of Iowa. “I believe in loving on people and I’ve been without,” said Julie Marks, whose home on Ashby Avenue has acted as a donation drop-off for the last two years. Julie and her husband Dale started accepting donations last year. They raised more than $7,500 and collected 1,500 pounds of food. People drive, bike, or walk by the neighborhood. When they get to the house, many drop off food or money. Those who don’t have either on them usually Venmo donations to the Food Bank of Iowa. This holiday season looks a little different than last year, however, especially for Dale Marks. Last year Dale stood by his wife’s side, greeting people, handing out candy canes, and sharing the holiday spirit. This year, he has to stay inside due to his health after battling COVID-19 and dealing with complications.Despite that, Dale says he’s blessed. Volunteers put up every candy cane, sparking light, and decorations that stand tall across his yard. “Twenty-eight days laying in the hospital. I knew if I got out that I had to figure out a way to do it,” said Dale Marks. “I’m so thrilled this tradition got to go on.” Part of why it lives on is due to the people helping Julie outside: the couple’s friends who say they wouldn’t miss this for the world. “It’s just important if you have a little bit extra or even if it’s just a can, it’s super important to be able to give that to somebody else,” said Tayler Wineski, a family friend of the Marks couple. It’s that holiday spirit Dale and Julie Marks hope to convey and instill in others.”If you have one last breath, you can do something for someone,” said Dale Marks. People are welcome to come through the “Christmas Light Tour Food Drive” on the following dates: Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 15, Dec. 18 and on Christmas Eve from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ashby Avenue in Beaverdale is known for its well-decorated homes during the holiday season. People venture out on nights to take a peek at what all of the houses have to offer.
At one home, in particular, people do more than look at the lights. They also donate to the Food Bank of Iowa.
“I believe in loving on people and I’ve been without,” said Julie Marks, whose home on Ashby Avenue has acted as a donation drop-off for the last two years.
Julie and her husband Dale started accepting donations last year. They raised more than $7,500 and collected 1,500 pounds of food.
People drive, bike, or walk by the neighborhood. When they get to the house, many drop off food or money. Those who don’t have either on them usually Venmo donations to the Food Bank of Iowa.
This holiday season looks a little different than last year, however, especially for Dale Marks.
Last year Dale stood by his wife’s side, greeting people, handing out candy canes, and sharing the holiday spirit. This year, he has to stay inside due to his health after battling COVID-19 and dealing with complications.
Despite that, Dale says he’s blessed. Volunteers put up every candy cane, sparking light, and decorations that stand tall across his yard.
“Twenty-eight days laying in the hospital. I knew if I got out that I had to figure out a way to do it,” said Dale Marks. “I’m so thrilled this tradition got to go on.”
Part of why it lives on is due to the people helping Julie outside: the couple’s friends who say they wouldn’t miss this for the world.
“It’s just important if you have a little bit extra or even if it’s just a can, it’s super important to be able to give that to somebody else,” said Tayler Wineski, a family friend of the Marks couple.
It’s that holiday spirit Dale and Julie Marks hope to convey and instill in others.
“If you have one last breath, you can do something for someone,” said Dale Marks.
People are welcome to come through the “Christmas Light Tour Food Drive” on the following dates: Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 15, Dec. 18 and on Christmas Eve from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.