A sampling of the ways the public can help the Tristate's less fortunate.

        Be Concerned, 714 Washington St., Covington; (859) 291-6789.

        Serves low-income residents of Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties. Special needs: Donations of tuna, canned fruit, peanut butter and cash. Also needs volunteers.

        Brighton Center, 741 Central Ave., Newport; (859) 491-8303, Ext. 2032, ask for volunteer coordinator Dare Miller.

        Special needs: Food, new toys, personal-care items and volunteers.

        Scott Miller, formerly with the Vroys, a roots rock band, will do a benefit concert for Brighton Center at 9 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Southgate House in Newport. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

        Echo Soup Kitchen, 901 York St., Newport; (859) 261-9806. Ask for Sister Rita, the volunteer coordinator.

        Serves the poor and homeless of Kenton, Campbell and Hamilton counties. Special needs: Volunteers, cash, personal-care items and paper products, hats, gloves, socks and underwear, perfume and books.

        Erlanger-Elsmere United Ministries Inc. 525 Graves Ave., Erlanger; (859) 727-0300.

        Serves families in crisis in Boone and southern Kenton counties. Special needs: cash, books, board games, Bibles, gift certificates for movie tickets and clothing for teen-agers.

        FreeStore/FoodBank, 112 E. Liberty St., Cincinnati; (513) 482-3663.

        Special needs: Canned vegetables and other nonperishable items, and turkeys and chickens.

        Mercy Franciscan at St. John Social Service Center, 1212 Sycamore St., Cincinnati; (513) 241-2186.

        Serves low-income residents from the inner city and Hamilton County suburbs. Special needs: Nonperishable items, warm clothing, children's play clothes and volunteers.

        Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky, 605 Madison Ave., Covington; (859) 292-2485.

        Serves Kenton and Campbell county residents in need of mental health education or support.

        Special needs: Volunteers, new toys, Polaroid film and wrapping paper.

        Greater Cincinnati Salvation Army, 114 E. Central Parkway; (513) 762-5600. Serves low-income residents in Northern Kentucky and Hamilton and Clermont counties. Special needs: Cash, new toys and coats.

        Women's Crisis Center Inc., 835 Madison Ave., Covington; (859) 655-2649. Serves women and children in crisis situations in eight Northern Kentucky counties and Maysville.

        This year, the agency has registered its holiday gift needs at Greater Cincinnati Target and Toys R Us stores. Special needs: hats, gloves, books and toys.

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