What started as one dad’s wish to brighten a child’s Christmas has now become a community tradition. After a record season with his business, Hembree Window Cleaning, owner Mason Hembree decided to surprise a local family in need with a full holiday light installation. His hope was simple: that one more child could feel the magic of Christmas. The response was overwhelming. With distributors donating lights and fellow window cleaning companies lending their skills, the Lights of Hope Project was born, illuminating five homes last season and countless hearts.
The name, “Lights of Hope,” embodies the true spirit of the season. “I’ve always believed that charity and hope are at the core of Christmas,” Mason shares. “Our goal is to bring light to families who need it most.”
This year, the project is expanding through a new partnership with local nonprofit Be the Good Ones, whose mission is to create a caring and connected community by meeting small needs with great love and generosity. Founded on the belief that every act of kindness counts, Be the Good Ones unites volunteers, business owners, and neighbors across Douglas, Elbert, and Arapahoe counties to support families in everyday ways, from grocery shopping and providing school supplies to organizing outreach for those facing hardships. By teaming up with Lights of Hope, they will help identify families, manage donations, and inspire others to join in, ensuring that kindness continues to ripple throughout the community.
What makes Be the Good Ones especially impactful is their focus on the “small things” that can mean the world to someone in need. A bag of groceries, a backpack full of supplies, or a quick check-in on a struggling neighbor may not seem monumental, but these acts create a chain of compassion that strengthens entire communities. By pairing that mission with the joy of a fully lit home at Christmas, the Lights of Hope Project is weaving together everyday generosity with holiday magic. Together, the two organizations are proving that hope doesn’t have to arrive in grand gestures, sometimes it shines brightest through the simplest acts of care.
Families are chosen with care: those facing financial or health challenges, with children who will directly experience the joy, and with a support system to lean on. The results are profound. “At one of the first homes, two small children came outside to see the lights. One said, ‘Now Santa will be able to find our house.’ That’s what this project is about,” Mason recalls.
The community has rallied, too. Local group Word of Mouth Parker has played a big role in finding families and even voted on last year’s multi-colored bulb theme. Sponsors such as Novelty Lights and Holiday Bright Lights continue to donate decorations, while installer partners earn recognition and are encouraged to match donations through special Lights of Hope badges.
Partnerships like these also encourage more people to get involved. For those who may not be able to physically install lights, Be the Good Ones provides meaningful opportunities to volunteer, give, or even nominate a family. “It takes a community to build a community,” Mason says, “and working with Be the Good Ones shows just how powerful we are when we come together.” Whether it’s through a financial contribution, spreading the word, or simply showing up to lend a hand, there’s a role for everyone in creating holiday cheer.
Looking ahead, Mason hopes to see the initiative grow well beyond Centennial and Parker. “I’d love to see local leaders in other cities carry this forward, spreading light and hope to families everywhere. Gratitude and humility are keys to living a fulfilling life,” he reflects. “Through Lights of Hope, we’re reminded that even the smallest act of kindness can shine brighter than we imagine.”
This season, from October 31 through December 25, Hembree Window Cleaning and every Platinum Installer will be donating a portion of proceeds to the Lights of Hope Project in support of Be the Good Ones. For a full list of participating companies, look for the Lights of Hope Project badge with your local installer. Families can also be nominated, and donations or volunteer support offered, by visiting LightsOfHopeProject.com.