Neighborhood unites community with Christmas tradition

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Coquillard Woods is celebrating their fourth Annual Luminaria. The neighborhood comes together the night of Christmas Eve to fill bags with candles and light the streets. The lights unite the community and provide a beautiful display and holiday tradition for many. This year the event was larger than ever. Now Coquillard Woods had a total of 3,500 bags displayed and around 170 households participated. However, the event means more than just a pretty scene.

Proceeds from the Luminaria go to the Felicia Leon-Driscoll scholarship fund at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. The fund supports Good Shephard Montessori and is in memory of Dan Driscoll’s wife. Driscoll first started the luminaria four years ago and says it will always be a message of hope.

“The hope that it brings. It really is it is such a beautiful message of hope on a quiet night, late to be walking around on Christmas eve” says Driscoll. “It’s a really beautiful hope filled expression of faith. It is remarkable how a community can come together like that.”

You can donate to the Felicia Leon Driscoll scholarship fund here.