RALEIGH, N.C. – A drive-thru Christmas lights "Candyland" is raising money for Give Kids the World Village.

The village is a nonprofit resort for children with critical illnesses and their families.

"They grant 700 wishes a month and they've been closed since March, due to COVID," says Sarah Thompson. "So, that's a lot of wishes that haven't happened."

Candyland is one of the attractions at Give Kids the World. Sarah and her sons, Edward and John, are putting a-look-alike together in their front yard. The family visited Give Kids the World Village when Edward had hodgkin's lymphoma from 2017 to 2018.

Edward says he also wants to mimic the feeling of Candyland.

"We're just trying to make it really magical, and really special, and different," says Edward.

The Thompsons typically host haunted houses each year to raise money for different organizations. This year, their haunted house turned into a drive-thru for COVID related reasons. 

After raising $3,829 for the Make a Wish Foundation, the family decided to try a new addition, this time for Christmas.

"You know, might as well if it brings people joy," says Sarah. "And, it's just a bonus if people donate."

Candyland will start Dec. 1 at 9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh, and will run through Christmas.