The Hood River County Christmas Project has seen a substantial increase in applications for assistance, and that’s expected to continue throughout the registration process.  The Project’s Bruce Holmson says last year they assisted 471 families during the holidays, but they are already over 600 this year, and expect to get to somewhere between 700 and 800 by the time the application deadline of December 7 arrives.  Holmson says they could use the community’s help to make sure they can meet all of the requests.  They calculate needing approximately $100 per family.  Each family will receive a food gift card to a local grocery store and toy gift cards for each child.  To donate to the Hood River County Christmas Project, go online to hoodrivercountychristmasproject.com, or mail a check to P.O. Box 872 in Hood River, zip code 97031.