The big blue tree on the corner of College Ave. and Mulberry St. is shining bright with thousands of lights.

But the lights aren't there just to decorate Fort Collins — their main purpose is to shine a light into the lives of the almost 7,000 abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Larimer County.

This high number is why we created Townsquare Cares: Blue Christmas, our campaign to help Realities for Children aide these children through their NightLights fundraiser.

Realities for Children is a non-profit that provides for the unmet and ongoing support needs of children in Northern Colorado who meet the above criteria.

Their fundraiser allows people to sponsor a light on the NightLights tree, with 100% of the proceeds going directly towards the needs of these children.

"It's really about bringing that sense of hope to a child and letting them know that there are people out in the community that care for them," said Craig Secher, President of Realities for Children. "Especially over a difficult time of year like the holiday season, the need is very great."

We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Because of your generosity, the NightLights campaign has raised $116,674 for our local at-risk children.

However, with over 30,000 lights on the tree, there are still many children in need of sponsors and donations.

Click here to donate and become the light in the darkness for a child this holiday season.

To learn more about Townsquare Cares: Blue Christmas, and what else Realities for Children is doing for the holidays, listen to the full "Tuned In to NoCo" interview with Craig Secher below.

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