Block donates money to charities each year

dren suffering from cancer in honor of Schroeder; and the Anchor Program Fund, which supports people with special needs throughout the Town of Hempstead, in honor of Smith.

“When we first started out, we’d raise about $1,500,” Carr said. “We’ve had up to $3,500 for the year and we’ve even had up to $4,000. We give it to charities, whatever we can give them. This year we were able to collect $3,100.”

The houses are lit up the entire month of December and into early January. Carr said hundreds of people walk the block each day, on average, depending on the weather and temperature. The biggest night is the Saturday before Christmas, which draws anywhere between 500 and 1,000 people each time.

Carr may have been decorating for 30 years and admits it may be nearing the time when he cuts back a bit -- but he loves it.

“It’s what I like to see, people decorating people and just getting out there enjoying the holiday and enjoying the neighborhood,” he said. “Oh, and next time, we are looking to turn around and have the return of Santa at Sylvan Place.”