Unique handcrafted items and a large selection of homemade foods will be on display at the fourth annual Homemade Holiday Sale to benefit the Mrs. Nothstein's Helping Hands Fund. More than 35 crafters and a host of bakers will be filling the social hall of St. John Fisher Church at 1239 Third St. The sale will be open to the public 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation for the Catasauqua Food Bank and receive a free door prize ticket. This year, 20 percent of the profit will be donated to the food bank.

The proceeds from the sale, along with donations, go to Mrs. Nothstein's Helping Hands Fund, which has distributed aid to children and their families totaling over $30,000.

Donations of baked sale items are accepted at the church during the sale. Monetary donations to Mrs. Nothstein's Helping Hands Fund may be sent to Bill Nothstein, 1214 Fourth St., Catasauqua, 18032.

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The last day planned for leaf collection is approaching. Dec. 1 is the final day the borough will remove leaf piles from curbs. If you have any questions, call the borough office at 610-264-1504.

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Many of those pretty snowflake lights that line borough streets during the holiday season are sponsored by local residents, some in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one.

The supply for this year is now sold out, but if you wish to sponsor one for next year, call 610-264-1504 or email NCataCentennial@aol.com for information. This offer is presented by the North Catasauqua Betterment Committee.

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Residents are invited to bring donations of nonperishable food to the collection box now through Jan. 9 in the hallway of the borough hall or take them to the Nov. 30 tree lighting at the park. This food drive is sponosred by the North Catasauqua Betterment Committee. Donations are delivered to the Catasauqua Community Food Bank.

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This year's Luminaria Night event will take place Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 5 p.m.

On that day, residents can help create a peaceful, angelic glow of luminaries throughout the borough, including at the park, where the We Sing Chorus will perform a concert at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of the luminaries around North Catasauqua Park as they light up the night.

There will be caroling, limo bus rides (for a small fee), hot chocolate, goodies, candy canes for everyone and holiday photo opportunities, so bring your camera. Also, weather permitting, you will watch Chinese lanterns sail through the night sky.

The rain date for the event is Monday, Dec. 14.

Each luminary kit, being sold by the chorus as a fundraiser, includes 10 bags, 10 candles, sand and directions. There is a discount when purchasing four or more kits. They may be placed on private properties or at the park. Order by Dec.10 and pick up 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Kits are also available for sale to the public at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St.

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Once you've strung the lights, hung up the wreath and decorated the yard, it's time to enter the eighth annual North Catasauqua small Town USA Holiday Home Decorating Contest. A number of great prizes are being offered this year, including gift cards ranging in value from $25 to $75. Judging will take place Dec. 17, so enter your property today. First-prize winner is the small house and large house categories will also receive a framed photo of their home's holiday decorations.