Patriotism is flowing like a mighty stream throughout the Tristate. Much of it started after the Sept. 11 tragedy. But a caring spirit is well-entrenched in this area.

        An example is StrongWoman Ministries Inc., a Cincinnati-based, interdenominational women's ministry, that is planning its second CommunityFest for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Northern Kentucky Community Center, 824 Greenup St., Covington.

        The group collects clothing and furniture and gives them to families in need.

        “We are dealing with a community with a lot of issues around poverty, drugs and alcoholism,” said Michelle Graves, founder of StrongWoman Ministries.

        “When we did the same thing in Bond Hill in June, we were able to provide furniture for two houses.”

        To donate, call 641-2950.

        In the meantime, the outpouring of efforts to help in the disaster relief continues:

        Father Paul Gebhardt, campus minister at La Salle High School, gave students a good reason for starting a disaster relief campaign when he opened the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 11.

        “As of today, your future has changed,” Father Gebhardt said.

        The students have collected $10,000 through donations and selling T-shirts with the inscription: “La Salle Lancers Proud To Be An American.”

        “This shows that we are proud of our school, proud of our community and proud of America,” said Matt Brinker, president of the Student Council.

        To support their efforts, call Sheila Kissell at 741-2345.

        Cincinnati firefighters are continuing their “Fill the Boot” campaign to support disaster relief. Their collections have reached close to $200,000.

        “Our goal is to go to New York with $1 million,” said Joe Arnold, a board member of Firefighters Union Local 48.

        The money will be given to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund.

        Carol Lee of Forest Park has sent postcards to local mosques to show support, and she wants her neighbors to do the same.

        “They are American people, too, and should be presumed innocent,” Ms. Lee said. “They should not be made to feel unwelcome in the country they were born in.”

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements and acts of kindness that are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer. com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.
       

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