Pictured from left to right are JoEllen Sherman, Mary Edwards, Rev. Debbie Hamlin, Marie Frank, and Barbara Block. In the back row are Bob Block, Marilyn Graves, Chuck Eckhert, and Linda Pawloski.

Christmas this year will be a bit merrier for clients of the Dunkirk First United Methodist Church Willow Mission. “Willow,” as it is known, is the result of the vision of Judy Cole, previous pastor of the church, and has served the community with food, clothing, and household items for the past eight years.

Among those contributing items were CIAO, St. Columban’s, the Lion’s Club, the Clymer United Methodist Church, the Women’s Bible Study from Park United Methodist in Sinclairville, KMT, and Betty Voss who knitted hats and mittens. Gift bags were filled by members of the church and were distributed on Wednesday, Dec. 19. Many thanks to them and others in the community who make the holidays a bit brighter for those among us who are in need.