Landon's Lights: A boy's mission raises money for Duke Children's

When the light show that Landon Mandolesi loved shut down, he decided to step into the gap. He was 8 years old at the time.

"So I decided to start up my own light show to donate to the children's hospitals so that the children's hospitals would still get their donations," he said.

Now 12, Landon has raised more than $9,000 for Duke Children's.

"I know I don't even want to find out what it's like to be in the hospital during Christmas because Christmas is great. It's my favorite time of the year," he said.

Instead of worrying about what gift he will get, Landon focuses on what he can give – light, support, hope.

"I just want to say to all of them, 'I'm hoping that you all have a great Christmas, and I hope that you all get better soon,'" he said.

Visitors can see Landon's Lights nightly (weather permitting) from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at 113 Keythorpe Lane in Cary and drop donations in Santa's mailbox.