By Janet Gregg
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Around the holidays, hearts open up in generosity to those less fortunate. People at Highland Springs take that impulse even further, opening their homes to raise money for the good of all who live there.

The Highland Springs Holiday Parade of Homes is scheduled for December 6, and the whole community participates—either opening their decorated homes for tours or taking the tour themselves. The $5 donation to go through the Parade of Homes benefits the Benevolent Care Fund.

"Highland Springs and the other Erickson properties have made a commitment not to put anyone out of their home if they develop financial issues," says Jody Jackson, a member of the Parade of Homes organizing committee. "Many organizations contribute to that fund. This is our first time to host this event and participate in that way, and I feel great about it."

"It’s a benefit that is already being used by a few residents," fellow committee member Sally Pendergast says. "It’s a form of protection, and it provides peace of mind."

Open house
There is no limit on the number of homes that can be included in the tour. Organizers, made up entirely of residents, encouraged fellow residents of all three wings to participate.

"For this first one, I’d like to get at least three residents in each building to participate," Jackson says. "We’re still signing people up, so we don’t really know yet exactly how many we’ll have. It could end up being much more than that."

The Holiday Parade of Homes was planned to include everyone. The hope is that they will have homes decorated for both Christmas and Hanukkah.

Coming together
Pendergast plans to decorate in a traditional Christmas theme. The highlight of Jackson’s home decorations will be a Christmas tree covered in 600 German ornaments.

The Highland Springs marketing department is hosting an open house that same day. It will make a contribution for any visitors who want to take the tour.