Michael McVicker and his wife, Lisa, enjoy children and Christmas.

        So they've put the two together and come up with a program to help kids.

        Starting in 1999, the Deer Park couple began seeking donations of toys for children through age 14.

        Each year, interest has grown.

        “It is a local project to help local children,” he said. “We ask companies, churches, schools and individuals to buy a medium size gift bag and fill it with small toys, school supplies, etc.”

        He said this year promises to be the biggest project yet.

        “The first year we raised 390 gift-filled bags, and last year a total of 820 bags,” he said. This year's goal: 1,200 bags.

        The bags will go to children through the Shriners Burns Institute, Lighthouse Youth Services, Catholic Children's Home in Fort Mitchell, Ky., and the Northern Kentucky Mental Health Association in Covington.

        Drop-off sites include DCC Wholesale, 1305 Ohio 28, Loveland, and Upstairs Friends, 9423 Montgomery Road.

        For the names of other drop-off sites and information, call 891-4843.

        A brochure and information packets are available.

        Send e-mail to Mr. McVicker at celebratethechild@hotmail.com.

        BLUE ASH — The Holiday Craft Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Blue Ash Recreation Center, 4433 Cooper Road.

        Santa will visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

        Information: 745-8550.

        LEBANON — See how Christmas was celebrated on the Ohio frontier when Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village has its Christmas Candlelight Tour from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 1.

        Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids 12 and younger.

        FAIRFIELD — Shared Harvest Food Bank, which distributes food to the needy, needs volunteers to repack, clean and do other jobs.

        For more information, call Dean Bowman at 413-874-0114.

        HAMILTON — This is deer hunting time. Butler County's gun season opens Monday and ends Dec. 2.

        Ohio's primitive hunting season, Dec. 27-30, gives primitive muzzle-loading rifle and shotgun owners more time to hunt.

        Landowners and their children may hunt on their land without obtaining hunting licenses or deer permits. But grandchildren 18 and older are required to get a license and permits, said extension agent Steve Bartels.

        Randy McNutt's column appears Saturday. Contact him at The Enquirer, 4770 Service Center Dr., West Chester, Ohio 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.

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