Students Create Tunnel of Lights, Raise Donations for Homeless

Harvest Preparatory School turned its campuses into a seasonal fundraising effort that launched in Yuma today and will run in San Luis later this week. Families and community members can drive through illuminated displays created by more than 600 students, who worked in groups with teachers to translate social studies lessons into Christmas themed exhibits inspired by countries from around the world. Admission is a five dollar donation or three cans of food per vehicle, and all contributions will be donated to support the homeless and those in need.

The Yuma Tunnel of Lights runs from December 19 through December 23. The San Luis event takes place December 22 and December 23, with driving hours from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The format is intended to make the displays accessible while collecting food and monetary donations during a period of increased demand for shelter and assistance.

School leadership framed the initiative as both an educational exercise and a community service project. Harvest Preparatory CEO Debra Ybarra emphasized that the event is rooted in giving back to the community, and that the food collection is one component of a broader effort to provide an uplifting experience for families and children during the holiday season. The project put classroom learning into a public setting, offering students hands on experience in cultural research, teamwork, and public presentation.

For Yuma County officials and service providers, school led drives such as this highlight the role of local institutions in addressing food insecurity and shelter needs. While charitable events mobilize volunteers and donations quickly, they also underscore gaps in permanent services and the continued reliance on community organized support during peak need periods. The Tunnel of Lights illustrates how educational institutions can contribute to civic engagement and local relief efforts, and it offers residents a direct way to support those services through small donations and food gifts this week.