More Tristate businesses are adding to special programs for Sept. 11 disaster relief.

        Some have special days in which 100 percent of sales go to disaster relief.

        Rite Aid Corp. announced this week another program in which all customers who apply for a manufacturer's rebate through Rite Aid's website, www.riteaid.com, will have the option to donate the amount of the rebate to disaster relief.

        The funds will be added to the $1 million the company has collected through disaster relief certificates started three weeks ago at Rite Aid's 3,600 stores .

        Rebates can be applied for by mailing in a form found at Rite Aid stores or by visiting Rite Aid's website.

        Applebee's restaurant chain of 1,300 locations nationwide expects to reach nearly $2 million in its collection of relief funds. Applebee's International and its franchise partners initiated the neighborhood relief program with a base donation of $1 million. The program is in partnership with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

        Customers can buy a paper American flag for $1. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

        Flags bought may be posted at Applebee's restaurant or customers may take them home. The Neighborhood Relief Program runs through October 19.

        “Everyone is looking for a way to help their neighbors in need,” said Mike Scanlon, local franchise executive. “We are part of the neighborhood, and we developed this campaign to provide an easy way for all of us to make a difference.”

        Arby's restaurants are running a “Raise the Flag” donation program. Customers who donate at least one dollar will receive an American Flag Appreciation card that can be signed and posted in the store.

        The restaurant chain hopes to donate an estimated $1.6 million to disaster relief if each restaurant sells at least 500 cards.

        Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon will have a “Dine for America” day on Thursday. Proceeds from meals that day will go to disaster relief. All the restaurant's brands, including Sullivan's Steakhouse, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House and Lone Star Steakhouse are included.

        Some good news outside of disaster relief came to the Down's Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. Mia Peterson, 27, of Hyde Park who has Down's Syndrome, has been chosen to help carry the Olympic torch during the run through Cincinnati in December.

        “I am very excited about this. Everytime I think about it, my heart bubbles,” Ms. Peterson said.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random 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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