WEST GOSHEN >> After a successful season of putting on a Christmas display to support charity, teenager Gavin Snyder brought over $500 in donations to the Brandywine Valley SPCA last week. In addition to the cash, the Stetson Middle School student collected 12 bags of bedding, pet toys and food for the animal shelter.
Snyder’s Concord Road display featured lights, path markers and 14 inflatable decorations including a Santa that waved. He was assisted by his grandfather, Don Herb, who helped with the technical assistance.
“He put a lot of thought into this,” Herb told a Daily Local News reporter. “From the time he’s been about 4, he’s been doing Christmas displays.”
“We’re so impressed with Gavin’s initiative and creativity,” said Brandywine Valley SPCA spokesperson Linda Torelli. “To see a young person not only want to help animals but to take ownership and achieve such results is inspiring. We appreciate all of his efforts and the donations from the many people in the community who contributed.”
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“I thank all of my friends and family that donated to this great cause,” Snyder said on Friday as he was taking the display down. “I just love animals and had the idea in my brain that I could donate to the SPCA.”
During the holidays, Snyder also ran his own outdoor decorating business for residents unable to assemble their own called Outdoor Holiday Decorating. He has also turned that into a January business taking displays down.
With Valentine’s Day on the way, Gavin plans to display two or three themed inflatables. He might again also put a donation bin out for the SPCA at that time. He also has decorations for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, Halloween and Thanksgiving.
“I will definitely do it again next year and it will be bigger and better,” said Snyder.
