Holiday light show for a good cause

AUSTIN - 30 thousand lights, some holiday music and a lot of technical knowledge went into an animated Christmas light display raising money for charity. It's a sight to behold on Roan Lane in southwest Austin. Texas A & M student Shawn McCoy set up the light display and decided to take donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. It's a charity that grants a sick child's wish. Each wish takes 5 thousand dollars. That’s far from what McCoy is hoping to raise, but he says any amount will take them one step closer to their goal.

"My whole thought was every little bit helps for the charities and because of that no matter what we get it's money they didn't have before," said Shawn McCoy.

According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, 53.3 percent of charities say they are raising less money than they did in 2007.

While many charities are feeling the pinch, The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas says the economy isn't hurting their donations. So far, they are on track to raise more money than last year. Many families are even forgoing gifts this Christmas in order to donate.

"What I'm seeing is that families are very thankful for their healthy kids, their homes, their jobs and when they see the needs of others who are maybe less fortunate,” said Linden. “They decide as a family to come together and do something good for someone else."

The McCoy light display will continue to take donations through Dec. 31, 2008.