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Thanksgiving and Christmas will both be much brighter and happier this year thanks to the Estherville Area Ministerial Association and area parish members.

The ministerial association will hold an ecumenical service 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at Crossroads Community Church at 2015 Third Ave. S. in Estherville. Two offerings will be taken - one for The Doorstep Ministry Fund which helps those in need who are passing through the community and for the Community Christmas Project which will accepts gifts of new items as well as money. Ministerial association members will hand out eligibility coupons for the Community Christmas project to recommended persons at the service. A fellowship will be held after services. The DHS and UDMO are also distributing the coupons.

The Community Christmas Project provides gifts for Emmet County residents who participate in programs through the Iowa Department of Human Services or Upper Des Moines Opportunity or who are recommended by their clergy. Donations to the Community Christmas Project may be made through Sunday, Nov. 29 at any Estherville Area Ministerial Association Church. New items only are accepted and may include warm clothing in all sizes for men, women and children; toys; bedding and towels.

The Community Christmas Project will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Duhigg Center on Central Ave. across the street from St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

All cash donations and gifts stay in Emmet County. In 2008, 824 people representing 268 households were helped.

Gift items may be left at any Estherville Area Ministerial Association church through Sunday, Nov. 20. Items may also be brought to the Duhigg Center Gymnasium 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 30. Please use the south door.

Please do not wrap gift items. Gifts might include sweat shirts and pants, shirts, T-shirts, underwear, pajamas for small children or adults, nightgowns, socks, mittens, scarves, quilts, blankets, sheets, pillows, bath towels, kitchen towels, blanket sleepers, toys, games, dolls, puzzles and new books.

Parents who come to the Community Christmas Project Dec. 1 are asked to not bring children when they select gifts, if at all possible.

For further information, contact Father Brian Hughes at 362-5851, Mary Lown at 362-3324 or Carol Pluth at 362-3426.