The lights will shine bright in east Medford near North Phoenix Road Thursday night through Christmas Eve as part of the 23rd annual Greystone Court Food and Fund Drive benefiting ACCESS. 

Thousands of late-December revelers are expected to flock to one east Medford neighborhood and take in the lights as part of what has become a Southern Oregon holiday tradition over the past two decades, too vibrant to miss.

The homes of Greystone Court will be shining brightly for the next four days as part of the neighborhood’s 23rd annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive.

According to ACCESS Chief Advancement Officer Kellie Battaglia, the lights extravaganza Thursday night through Christmas Eve near the intersection of Greystone Court and North Phoenix Road is expected to draw a major crowd, including between 3,000 and 4,000 cars and hundreds of pedestrians. There is even an appearance from Santa Claus himself.

“It’s always gorgeous out there with the lights,” Battaglia said.

Greystone Court residents and ACCESS volunteers will collect nonperishable food and cash donations between 5:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday night through Christmas Eve.

“It’s a big food drive,” Battaglia said. “More than anything, it’s an amazing community builder.”

Battaglia said that clear skies in the forecast for Thursday evening should make the event “a beautiful night for holiday viewing.”

Jolly old St. Nick will be there from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and ACCESS will be passing out free candy canes and dog treats during the event.

Simultaneously, homes along Cherry Lane off North Phoenix Road near Greystone Court will be similarly decked out for a toy drive, and the Grinch returns to 3577 Cherry Lane to raise funds for Honor Flight of Oregon. For the latest on the Grinch’s whereabouts, see facebook.com/MedfordGrinch.

“Both of those neighborhoods have lights and have some fundraising activities going on,” Battaglia said.

Battaglia said “the tradition of giving is so on display during the event,” describing how parents often hand their child the can of food or a $5 bill to give to ACCESS.

“It’s like a multigenerational tradition of giving,” Battaglia said. “It’s a beautiful experience, and it’s a highlight for our staff.”

She said “ACCESS is so grateful to the neighbors,” not only for putting up with the traffic every holiday season but relishing the event. Greystone Court residents decorate their homes by Dec. 1, well ahead of the main event. 

“They want that experience for the community and to help support us,” Battaglia said.

For those interested in bringing donated foods to the event, ACCESS said that the most needed foods are nonperishable items rich in protein such as peanut butter, canned tuna, canned meats and canned beans. Other staple items including rice, pasta and cereal are also needed.

Those donating cash will have their donation doubled thanks to NIC Industries of White City, which will match cash donations at the event up to $5,000.

“Typically we can make four meals out of a dollar,” Battaglia said. She added that just leaving one dollar at the event, “that’s eight meals.”

“Every dollar raised goes to feeding families out here in Jackson County.”

For more information, see accesshelps.org/greystone-food-drive/.