Local Church Member Hosts Donation Drive

This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
A member of the Henderson Nevada Lake Mead Stake has found a unique way to light the world through service. Evan Leja hosts a Christmas lights block party and charity event every year as a way to bring the community together and help those in need. This year the Christmas lights party benefited the women’s shelter SafeNest. Attendees who came to the house lighting were asked to donate clothing, home goods, toiletries, and other necessities. Evan Leja started the yearly tradition when he was in junior high. The Christmas lights block party quickly grew so Evan decided to use it to help community members in need. Evan said service has been a big part of his life starting with Cub and Boy Scouts and serving a mission in Everett Washington. He said his motivation comes from his faith in Jesus Christ. Evan said, “If He were here today, He would be serving other people.” Evan views this occasion as an opportunity to serve God’s children the way the Savior would. He said he finds focusing on serving others brings him real joy. “That’s always my goal, is just to bring joy to other people.” He feels Christmas is a time when people want to help those in need. He said, “It’s the time of the year when people are really happy to share what they have and to give to other people, to bring them a little happiness.”
The Leja’s home will be lit every night throughout the month of December. Visitors who come to see the lights are encouraged to stop and walk through the lights where they will see a Nativity scene in the backyard and might even get a little “snow” on them. A donation box for SafeNest will be available at his home nightly for visitors to leave items such as clothing, hygiene products, household items, and non-perishable food.
The address is: 992 Trackers Glen Ave., Henderson, Nevada 89015



