Charity goes up in lights

By Melissa Meehan
FOR five years Gail and Brent Herbert have been spreading the Christmas cheer at their Noble Park North home.
Taking over the tradition from her parents, Mrs Herbert said that this year would be extra special. Not only will the display raise money for Gordon Care for Children, it honours Mrs Herbert’s father who died this year.
“I used to always help mum and dad set up the decorations,” Mrs Herbert said. “We have a good mixture of their stuff, some new stuff and some of my brother’s lights.
“But I lost my dad this year, which has made it a much more sentimental tradition for me.”
Last year they raised more than $2200 from visitors. A wishing tree invites visitors to donate a gift for children at the home. The Herberts are collecting gold coin donations for during December. Mr Herbert said that the lights would be turned on at 8.45pm nightly and off about 11pm.
“As it gets closer to Christmas and more people come past they could be on for longer,” he said.
“But over the next couple of Saturdays we are expecting a visit from the man himself – Santa.
“We have heard that he will be popping by with the local fire brigade and police.”
Do you know of any streets in Greater Dandenong with Christmas light displays? Email the Dandenong Star on Melissa.meehan@starnewsgroup.com.au.