In Beaverdale, Iowa, the annual holiday lights display on Ashby Avenue serves as both a local event and a fundraiser for the Food Bank of Iowa. Julie Marks, a resident who previously used food pantries, leads the effort to collect donations. Last year, visitors contributed $27,000. Marks aims to raise more this year.
The Food Bank of Iowa usually distributes 100,000 pounds of food each day. Due to higher demand, it now provides 160,000 pounds daily. Annette Hacker from the Food Bank said community fundraisers like the Ashby Avenue event are important. The neighborhood lights will be on from December 3 through the holiday season, attracting visitors and donations…