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In the NewsO.C. Register—12/24/2009
December 24, 2009
Electrician helps brighten holidays for homeless
Man has hung lights for shelters, other groups for 15 years.
By Jaimee Lynn Flether & Annie Burris—The Orange Country Register
Huntington Beach —An electrician is spreading holiday cheer using twinkle lights, a tradition from him and his staff for 15 years. This year, he hung lights at a women's shelter in Huntington Beach.
Mitch Cottrell, owner of Electro Systems Electric, this year put up hundreds of colored lights at Collette's Children's Home, a shelter for homeless women and children.
"We know at this time of year people can use a helping hand sometimes, and we just want to bring some Christmas cheer to different parts of the community who can use it," Cottrell said.
Cottrell and three of his electricians also hung big red bows around the property.
"We just thought it would be a nice gesture," Cottrell said. "We hope to bring some happiness."
One of the founders of Collette's Children's Home said Cottrell has a kind heart.
"I think it brightens up the whole community," Billy O'Connell said of the lights. "They are beautifully lit and put up all around the house."
The nonprofit helped 385 women and children this year and reunited 16 children with their mothers, O'Connell said.
In past years, Cottrell has donated his lighting expertise to various organizations throughout the city including the Youth Shelter, convalescent homes, medical clinics and other shelters, he said.
