In Chicago, a spirited group is redefining the phrase “deck the halls” by bringing festive cheer to several neighborhoods this holiday season. This effort, led by the community organization My Block, My Hood, My City, focuses on spreading holiday joy across the South Side through vibrant decorations.

Volunteers have transformed houses along King Drive into beacons of holiday spirit as part of the annual “Be a Part of the Light” event. This initiative lights up Chicago neighborhoods with festive decorations, embodying the true essence of community and celebration.

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Barbara Martin, one of the dedicated volunteers, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “It makes me feel good, because a lot of times when you see this, it just brings joy to the Christmas spirit,” she shared, emphasizing the warmth and joy the decorations bring to the community.

Martin, along with members from her local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, joined hundreds of other volunteers in adorning homes with holiday cheer. Their collective efforts not only light up the neighborhoods but also illuminate the spirit of unity and generosity during the festive season.

“It makes me feel good, because a lot of times when you see this, it just brings joy to the Christmas spirit,” Martin said.

She and other members of their chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star were among the hundreds of volunteers helping put up Christmas decorations as a part of this year’s Be a Part of the Light event.

In it’s eighth year, the initiative by My Block, My Hood, My City hopes to spread joy and holiday spirit in often overlooked neighborhoods on the city’s South Side.

“So normally, you go on King Drive, you see police car lights and helicopter lights. Today, you’ll see holiday lights,” My Block, My Hood, My City founder Jahmal Cole said.

The goal is to decorate over 500 homes along a stretch of King Drive from 35th to 115th streets in communities like Chatham, Auburn Gresham and Greater Grand Crossing. It’s all done for free with the homeowner’s permission.

“It’s all beautiful,” homeowner Ruthie Marshall said. “I appreciate it very much much and just proud to be apart.”

Volunteers come from all over the city to help. The Jumping Juniors Double Dutch team was there Saturday.

‘It gives us a chance to meet new people and become a part of part of a community you’re never a part of,” team member Taylor McKinney said.

Sisters Jennifer and Amy Buczkio also wanted to give back.

“This organization actually helped her mother get her covid vaccine and yes ever since then we’ve supported it,” she said.

Each group set out Saturday with a bin filled with holiday lights and decorations determined to transform a community.

When volunteers finish, many of them will come bac for community tree lightings and may even tour some of the houses that they decorated. They’re also being prepared for more volunteer work. They’ll be out in the neighborhood shoveling snow when the next blast comes through the city.