The Hood River County Christmas Project is getting underway. The project helps about 500 families a year with holiday food and gifts. Organizer Bruce Holmson says they will begin sign-ups for the boxes on November 7 continuing through December 6. Signups will be taken Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Human Services office on 1610 Ninth Court beginning the weekend of November 7 and continuing through the first weekend of December, except Thanksgiving weekend. They are also planned for Cascade Locks City Hall on November 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Odell Food Bank November 13 and December 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the Parkdale Community Church November 10 and 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants must live in Hood River County and meet state low income guidelines.