1015 Transit is inviting residents and local businesses to help light up the community this holiday season while supporting free transportation for veterans across Southeast Iowa.
The first annual holiday lights contest is being held as a fundraiser and awareness event for D.R.I.V.E., a program created to help provide free transportation to veterans.
For more than five years, 1015 Transit has invested an average of $150,000 each year in providing free transportation to area veterans. As the program continues to grow, D.R.I.V.E. is working to raise funds and bring the community together to help make sure veterans have access to the transportation they need.
“We hope this event inspires the community to come together,” 1015 Transit said. “Any funding or support for this amazing program helps us carry those who have carried us.”
Residents Invited to Enter
Any residential household is eligible to enter the holiday lights contest, and there is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by December 14.
The Christmas Lights Map will be published December 15 at 10:15 a.m. Voting will also begin December 15 and continue through December 27 at 11:59 p.m.
The top three winning homes will receive prize packages made possible through donations from area businesses and individuals. Winners will be announced December 28 at 10:15 a.m.
Contest rules and the entry form are available through the 1015 Transit website.
Contest Rules and D.R.I.V.E. Information
Holiday Lights Contest Entry Form
Local Businesses Invited to Donate Prizes
1015 Transit is also asking local businesses and individuals to help make the contest special by donating items for the prize packages.
Donations can include gift cards, products, services, experiences, gifts or other items. There is no required donation amount, and every contribution will help.
Donations can be dropped off at 1015 Transit’s offices at 612 S. Madison or 408 E. Main, or donors can arrange for a pickup.
Businesses and individuals who donate by 4 p.m. November 10 can have their logos included on promotional materials for the contest. Donations made between November 11 and December 14 are still welcome and will be recognized throughout the event, but will not be included on the initial promotional flyer.
A printed donation form is also available, or donors can email secretary@1015transit.com.
Every Donation Helps Veterans
Community members who do not want to participate in the lights contest can still support D.R.I.V.E. through a monetary donation.
Donations can be made online through the D.R.I.V.E. section of the 1015 Transit website, given directly to a driver with a request that the money go toward D.R.I.V.E., or dropped off at either 1015 Transit office.
According to 1015 Transit, donations can help cover transportation costs for veterans, including:
- $4 — Can help with an in-city round trip
- $8 — Can help with an in-county round trip
- $50 — Could help with a county-to-county round trip
- $200 or more — Could help with a trip to Iowa City, Des Moines or farther
Transportation costs vary depending on the trip, but every donation helps keep the program available to veterans.
D.R.I.V.E. is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, and contributions may be tax deductible.
The holiday lights contest is being launched as a pilot event, with hopes of eventually expanding it to additional counties.
Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes, enjoy the holiday lights throughout the community and help support the veterans who have served their communities.
Decorate your home. Light up the community. Support our veterans.
Source: 1015 Transit / D.R.I.V.E.
Photo/Graphic: 1015 Transit
