This is Iowa: A magical Christmas tradition becomes a legacy of helping others

Christmas lights on Ashby Avenue in Beaverdale is a magical tradition. For one family, that tradition turned into a personal mission that continues even after tragedy.In 2020, Julie and Dale Marks decided to raise money for the Food Bank of Iowa with their Christmas decorations.In 2021, when Dale was too weak to stand, dozens of volunteers carried out his dying wish to carry on his wife's dream of a Christmas light food drive. Just weeks after raising $30,000, Dale died from complications of COVID-19.This year, Julie decorated her new home with a new love, carrying on the tradition of collecting food donations to pass it forward."Last year, at this time, it was very sad for me, and I felt like it was honestly the end. So that this happened... Every day, I mean, I just have to pinch myself and remind myself that it's real, and there is a lot of happiness through this," Julie said.You can view more This is Iowa stories here.