November 14, 2007

Hood River Christmas Project coordinator Bruce Holmson has announced remaining registration dates for the upcoming 2007 holiday season. Christmas Project applications for assistance with holiday food and children’s gifts will be taken at the following locations:

In Hood River, sign-ups are being taken at the State Office Building, 1610 Ninth Court, on the Heights off of Pacific Avenue, on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 16 and 30 and also on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 and Dec. 1.

In Parkdale, applications will be taken Nov. 15, from 1-6 p.m. at the Parkdale Community Center.

Applicants can sign up at whichever location is most convenient for them.

Last year, the Christmas Project provided food and toys to approximately 460 families (1,800 individuals) within Hood River County.

“There are several local groups, businesses and individuals who come together, generate revenues, and make this possible,” Holmson said. Of special note last year was a $7,000 donation from the downtown merchants’ annual fashion show.

The Hood River County School District sponsors canned food drives at the local schools, prior to Christmas, and a portion is also given to the project. Other donations from the annual Hood River Lions grant, Starbucks, FISH, Wal-Mart and local service organizations/individuals are used to purchase new toys and canned goods.

The Hood River Police Department has also donated toys to the project through the “Toys for Tickets” program and last year added a $1,000 cash donation. Many area churches participate by sponsoring families, or donating food, toys and cash.

“Hood River County is a very generous community” said Holmson. For the past 10 years, the Port of Hood River has donated the use of the EXPO Center to the Christmas Project. During a span of six days in December, the EXPO Center is transformed into to a warehouse where the food and toys are brought in and baskets are packed and distributed to the families.

The Christmas Project is available to Hood River County families meeting food stamp program eligibility standards, although they do not need to be presently receiving food stamps. Families wishing to apply will need to bring proof of income and residency. Eligible children in the family must be living at home.