You can be a “secret angel” through the Crisis Assistance Ministry of Churches Active in Northside, 4230 Hamilton Ave., Northside.

        Mimi Chamberlin, executive director of CAIN, said the eight-year program is in full swing with about 300 people participating.

        Sign up at the church to be a secret angel. CAIN matches you with a family with a wish list, and you buy them gifts. You can remain anonymous.

        “This is a great way for individuals, schools, churches, businesses and community groups to reach out to others,” Mrs. Chamberlin said.

        Families are being signed up through November.

        She said the program offers a meaningful alternative to office/family gift exchange.

        “It provides gifts for someone who might not receive any,” she said.

        The secret angel can wrap items and put names on gifts. The gifts must be delivered to CAIN at 4230 Hamilton Ave. by Dec. 16.

        Mrs. Chamberlin said financial contributions are appreciated.

        She said donations are tax-deductible. Donors can ask for a charitable contribution receipt.

        For more information, call 591-2246.

        The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Greater Cincinnati area Kroger stores and FOX 19 have kicked off the “Food From The Heart” campaign.

        The campaign runs through Dec. 22 and they hope to collect 150 barrels of canned goods, equivalent to 52,500 pounds of food, to be distributed to needy families during the holidays.

        To participate, purchase nonperishable food items at Kroger or bring your own to donate. Food collection barrels with “Food From The Heart,” signs will be placed at the store entrances.

        A list of all participating Kroger stores is available on the FOX19 Web site at www.FOX19.com.

        For more information, call 513-562-8841 extension 26.

        The Sharonville Recreation Department has planned a list of holiday activities to make the season bright.

        Kids, ages 1-6, can trim the tree with Santa, from 10-11 a.m., Dec. 6 at the Sharonville Community Center,10990 Thornview Road, Sharonville.

        From 7-9 p.m. Dec. 7, the 8th Annual Holiday House festivities will be at the Crescentville Center, 12153 Crescentville Road.

        From 9:30 a.m. to noon, Dec. 8, there will be a “Breakfast with Santa” at the center.

        The horse-drawn carriage rides are, noon-5 p.m., Dec. 15 at Depot Square, Creek and Reading Roads.

        Holiday happenings, for kids 6-14 are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center.

        For more information on all events, call 563-2895.

        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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