A 2021 Christmas Eve crash claimed the life of Connor Dugan, but those closest to him are working to make sure his memory lives on.

Founded earlier this year by Connor’s parents, George and Holly Dugan of Jim Thorpe, with the assistance of George’s co-worker Ed Condon, and Kayla McLaughlin, the non-profit Connor Dugan’s Light of the Gap aims to create a lasting legacy of love, generosity, and community service.

“We wanted to make sure that he’s not forgotten and we keep his memory alive,” Holly Dugan said.

The nonprofit has outlined a comprehensive plan with multiple initiatives, each designed to contribute to the betterment of the community. Among these initiatives are impaired driving awareness campaigns in schools, providing monetary gifts to graduating seniors in and around the Jim Thorpe Area School District, supporting the greater Carbon County community, and organizing events to fund further outreach efforts.

The Christmas Eve crash occurred on Route 903 at the intersection of Rhododendron Road in Penn Forest Township. Police said 30-year-old Joshua Dean was driving with his three-year-old daughter Daejah Dean in one vehicle and Dugan, 17, was in another vehicle when the cars hit at an angle. All three died as a result of the crash and it was later determined through toxicology tests that Joshua Dean was driving under the influence.

“One of the main things for us was to bring DUI awareness back into the school system, like when Connor was in high school,” Holly said. “Connor was a victim of a DUI driver so that is a main focus for me.”

Light of the Gap is collecting any new and unused Pokémon merchandise for children in the hospital this year. All items collected by Dec. 15 will be donated through the Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Office of Philanthropy.

Items can include toys, cards, plushies, blankets or anything else with a Pokémon theme.

Reading Escapades and Math Explorers in Palmerton held a Pokemon night earlier this month to help get the collection off the ground.

“George had talked a lot about wanting to do more in honor of Connor, and that’s something he and Holly and I talked extensively about in our hours together,” Condon said. “You could talk as much as you want, but until you actually start doing something, you’re not going to get the ball rolling.”

The Connor Dugan Memorial Award has been established to honor graduating seniors from Jim Thorpe, the high school where Connor was a senior at the time of the accident. Holly Dugan envisions expanding the award to other schools, emphasizing Connor’s selfless nature and his willingness to help anyone in need.

“He’d help anyone in need,” Holly said of her son. “He never complained. He was always willing to help out. You know, he seriously had a heart of gold. He was the most pure-hearted kind of person you would ever know.”

Looking ahead to 2024, Connor Dugan’s Light of the Gap plans to host a 5K and Children’s Fun Run in October, with hopes of making it an annual event that brings the community together. Additionally, another year-long drive will commence in January to collect Pokémon cards and toys throughout the year, aiming to bring joy to children in hospitals during the Christmas season.

Updated information on the nonprofit’s activities can be found at the Connor Dugan Light of the Gap Facebook page.