LI Teen Who Crafted 'Island of Misfit Toys' Holiday Lights Donates $16K To Charity

EAST NORTHPORT, NY — An East Northport teenager turned his passion for restoring donated or unwanted holiday decorations into more than $16K for the Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro, according to a news release.

Andrew Reid, 19, transformed his family’s home into a holiday lighted winter wonderland with more than 500 restored holiday decorations, along with his mother, Christine. The family presented a check for $16,023.20 in donations raised by visitors of their light display to representatives from Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro on Wednesday.

The size of the donation was kept a surprise by Andrew Reid right up until the moment the check was presented.

"I was blown away, I had no idea it was going to be that large," said Matt Campo, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro. "I told the family we work so hard to raise every dollar. For someone to come and hand us more than $16,000 is just amazing."

What began as a passion for refurbishing discarded holiday decorations grew into an annual tradition for Reid and his family, with more than 500 decorations covering nearly every inch of the family's home, yard, and even Reid's car.

Andrew’s "Misfit Island" Christmas display was also voted the winner of Newsday’s "Holiday Lights" contest, with a prize of $1K, which will be part of the donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro.

"I surprised myself as well," Reid said. "It was a lot of work, a lot of standing in front of the house collecting donations."

Reid begins setting up his display in August each year.

"Ronald McDonald House is a very good organization to support and it’s local, so the money will stay here," Reid said.

The money donated will go toward the construction of the new Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last year and construction will begin in the spring with plans to open in 2027.

Ronald McDonald House Charities New York Metro provides comfort and support to families of children undergoing medical treatment. Funds raised through Andrew’s light display will directly benefit the new 24/7 care facility at Stony Brook Hospital, ensuring families can stay close to their sick or injured children.