Luminarias set out by neighbors in the Jackson Crossing community made the night glow last Christmas. Jackson Crossing is combining efforts with other communities this year to host a display at 6 p.m. Dec. 18. Submitted photo

JACKSON TWP — One resident’s plan to bring together thousands of luminarias for 2020’s COVID Christmas proved so memorable that neighboring communities have asked to join in this year.

Amanda Greenlund, who lives in Jackson Crossing, helps lead the construction of about 4,500 luminarias throughout the communities of Walnut Ridge, Brookview Farms and Jackson Crossing, all of which have grown around Tollgate Road. The collaboration, which Greenlund estimates will include 237 different households, will culminate in a display that makes the night glow at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18.

People who want to make luminarias can just roll down the top of the bag, place sand or kitty litter in the bottom of the bag to weigh it down and then nestle the votives in the sand, Greenlund said. She added that this process makes them very easy to make. It’s especially fun to craft these items with children.