NextStep Recycling in Eugene is turning broken or unwanted Christmas lights into a fund-raising opportunity for youth athletics this holiday season.

The nonprofit organization is collecting strands of Christmas lights and selling them as scrap copper, according to NextStep Recycling. More than 2,700 pounds of lights have been collected since the effort began in late November. Money from the fundraiser this year is going to the Rich Schwab Kidsports Fund, which provides scholarships for children who might not otherwise be able to afford programs offered by Kidsports.

Through January NextStep Recycling will accept Christmas lights at 2101 W. 10th Ave. The recycling center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call 541-686-2366 for more information.

Related: "Lighting the way," The Register-Guard story from January 2017

Follow Dylan Darling on Twitter @DylanJDarling. Email dd@registerguard.com.