Some efforts are being directed toward helping the needy locally while much is still being done to help victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

        Computer Renaissance, 9281 Governor's Way, Sycamore Township, has become a drop-off point for food donations for the FreeStore/FoodBank.

        Bob Geist, service technician, said they will be collecting donated items through December.

        “It is not going very well now,” Mr. Geist said. “But we expect it to pick up.”

        He said customers who make a donation will receive a certificate from Tabby's American Grill, and can enter a drawing for a free computer.

        Items needed are: baby food, diapers, formula, canned goods of all kinds, including canned meats and protein, such as tuna.

        Cash donations may be made directly to the FreeStore/Food Bank.

        The agency services about 300,000 people in a 20-county area in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

        Computer Renaissance owner Buddy Goose said it is important that local needs are not forgotten in light of the outpouring of donations to the terrorists' victims.

Donations for children are needed at the St. Joseph Orphanage. Items needed include new toys, clothing and personal hygiene items for boys and girls, ages 5-17.

        Donations will be accepted until 2 p.m., December 24 at St. Joseph Villa Campus, 5400 Edalbert Dr., Monfort Heights and at Altercrest Youth & Family Services Campus, 234 Sutton Rd., Anderson Township.

        “We are hoping the local community responds to our children's basic needs, as well as their hopes and dreams this year, in light of the focus on national events and national security, said Gloria Wahler, community relations and marketing director for St. Joseph.

Francesca Trego, who directs a Pacific Island dance group, will coordinate a benefit for cystic fibrosis research at Children's Hospital Medical Center. The event will be 7 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturdayat the Conservatory at Water Town Marina, Dayton, Ky.

        Proceeds will help purchase a neuroscanner, an EEG machine that allows better evaluation of sleep quality in children with cystic fibrosis. For more information, call 513-942-1453; 513-348-8335 or 513-648-6111.

        For the national relief effort, this week, Feed The Children, an international hunger relief organization, delivered 12-semi-tractor trailer loads of food and personal care items to the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Local 25 at 10th and K Street NW., in New York.

        The union has identified 3,500 displaced workers in need of assistance. The items were distributed to families and children of the displaced workers.

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