It’s that time of year again, when everyone tapes a sea of LEDs to their cars in the name of holiday spirit. While most builds aim to impress or grab as much attention as possible, a small handful have a deeper meaning behind them. Reed Taylor’s Ford Super Duty falls into that latter, turning heads across West Valley City not just because it wears 28,000 Christmas lights powered independently, but because of what those lights mean.
Why The Lights?
ABC4 Utah
Reed hopes people ask that exact question, because it opens the door to conversations most men avoid but many urgently need. His glowing Ford truck supports the “I Love You, Bro Project,” a Utah nonprofit focused on men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Reed says the bright exterior reflects what men show the world, while the nearly two miles of wire beneath it represent the heavy, tangled struggles carried in silence.
A Family Project
I Love You, Bro Project
Reed, his wife Krystal, and their sons, Jaxson and Liam, spent more than 20 hours wrapping the truck. What began in 2019 with just 100 lights has grown into a full family tradition, now stretching to 28,000 bulbs that can shine for roughly 60 hours on their own power. Not your average DIY festive project, we’d say. Since finishing the glowing truck, Reed’s sons describe him as calmer, more open, and easier to talk to. It’s rather ironic that efforts to help others often end up helping ourselves too.
Reminder: Men Aren’t Alone
I Love You, Bro Project
As the truck lights up West Valley City, the family is already preparing a second build to carry the same message. The “I Love You, Bro Project” started on a bridge when CEO and Founder, Joe Tuia’ana, helped a man who contemplated jumping off the edge to step back to safety through those four words: “I love you, bro.” Today, the organization continues that mission through support groups and community spaces where men can speak freely and be heard. Reed’s illuminated truck takes that message into the streets, hoping to remind anyone who sees it that struggle is universal, help is real, and meaningful connections can start with a single question. “We’re here. You’re not alone,” Reed says.
