As we sit down today and reflect on everything we’re thankful for, some families don’t have nearly as many blessings to count, and that’s where Ecumenical Ministries Inc. comes in.

The United Way agency has just finished taking applications for its 2007 Christmas Sharing program, an effort that will bring less fortunate children and seniors a little extra joy this holiday season.

“We’ve had a lot of families coming through this year,” said Jennifer Bruijn, EMI executive director. More than 300 families applied to the Eastern Shore office on their children’s behalf, a number matched at the South Baldwin branch.

For children, EMI’s assistance means toys and other gifts so their parents don’t have to choose between rent, utilities, or food and their children’s happiness.

Bruijn said for a family to qualify for Christmas Sharing, their children (newborn to age 13) must be on the free or reduced price school lunch program, or they must meet income criteria.

Around 160 seniors were recommended for assistance this year by one of several home health care agencies, nursing homes, the Council on Aging and the Baldwin County Health Department. They might receive towels, a comforter, a sweatsuit or a number of other items they need.

The men and women typically have no family members in the immediate area. “Their gift requests are usually simple,” Bruijn said, adding, senior citizens and families might also qualify for a holiday food bag, which are filled by EMI and cooperating agencies.

According to Bruijn, Christmas Sharing “was started after looking at the everyday needs coming in through emergency aid.”

You can support EMI by taking part in the program.

“They can call the agency if they want to help a child or the elderly,” she said. “We also welcome volunteers as well. We’ve got boxes to fill, or can use extra hands at our distribution centers to make sure the gifts are distributed equitably. We would love for people to call us.”

Bruijn said Christmas Sharing will get a boost this year from a youth group from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Fairhope. The kids are holding a roller skating party in Daphne on Dec. 1 to raise money for EMI.

The owners of Page & Palette in Fairhope are also doing their part. Through its foundation, the bookstore is sponsoring a luncheon with author Richard Paul Evans as the featured speaker on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at the Fairhope Civic Center. Evans will present and sign his latest novel, The Gift.

Community support for the event is provided by Lucy Buffett’s restaurant, LuLu’s at Homeport Marina. Attendees will be treated to a buffet featuring recipes from Buffett’s new book, Crazy Sista’s Cookbook, which will be released Dec. 5.

Luncheon tickets are $50, and include admission, the luncheon buffet and a signed, first edition copy of The Gift. Proceeds will benefit EMI.

According to book publisher Simon & Schuster, the book deals with a topic close to Evans’ heart.

A company press release states, “For the first time, he (Evans) addresses his battle with Tourette’s syndrome through Nathan Hurst, a lone businessman whose tics are cured when Collin graciously lays his hand on his shoulder. While Nathan agrees to keep the experience secret, when Collin heals an overzealous teenager his gift is soon exposed.

“Before long a crowd forms, and those pleading to be healed eventually force Collin into a compromising position. Through the choices that he makes we learn the ultimate message of the story – that love cures all.

Evans is the best-selling author of Finding Noel and The Christmas Box. He also wrote The Sunflower, The Christmas Box Miracle, Timepiece and The Looking Glass, as well as several other novels and children’s books.

He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife and five children.

“The Page & Palette Foundation hosted Shrimp and Grits for us last year,” Bruijn said. “It was a big fund-raiser. We were thrilled we were chosen to benefit from this event this year. It was unexpected. It brings needed money into the agency.”

One of EMI’s goals for 2008 is to bring more affordable housing to the Eastern Shore. she said, “We have relationships with these individuals. We want to help them maintain their living situation.”

Bruijn added, “We’re working every day with families needing assistance. We’re listening to them and not being judgmental. We help them work out a plan. They’re usually very overwhelmed.”

To help Ecumenical Ministries help others, call (251) 928-3430 on the Eastern Shore, or (251) 943-3445 in South Baldwin. You may also visit their Web site at www.baldwinemi.com.

For more information about the author benefit, call Page & Palette at (251) 928-5295, or visit www.pageandpalette.com.