What started as a poker run last month turned into one of the largest collections of toys ever for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program.

        A caravan of classic cars, including Model A's, street rods and Thunderbirds — 220 altogether, involving 450 people — started at the Liberty Bell in Newport, Ky., and went in different directions to the Grand Victoria Casino in Rising Sun, Ind.

        “The entry fee was a toy,” said Tom Keen, coordinator of the project. “Several people entered with several toys. My wife (Teresa) donated an entire carload.”

        Mr. Keen said the idea of the poker run was to pick up a card at different stops, and the person with the best hand would be the winner.

        “But it grew so big we had to cancel the poker run and turned it into a toy cruise,” he said.

        The entire event took from eight to 10 weeks.

        “We put all the toys in my 36-foot fifth-wheeler trailer and headed for the Marine Corps Reserves on Gilbert Avenue,” he said.

        “I don't know exactly how many toys we had. They practically covered all of the trailer space,” he said.

        Mr. Keen, who owns Keen Parts in Cleves, said they plan to make this an annual event.

        “It was one of the largest toy collections we have ever had,” said Marine Corps Reserves Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Hobbs, who runs the Marines' Toys for Tots program.

        “The collections are going real well this year.”

        Toys for Tots was started in 1947. It collected a total of 60,000 toys last year and distributed them to needy families through different organizations.

        In its fifth week, the “Food From The Heart” holiday drive is 32,000 pounds short of reaching its goal of 52,500 pounds by Dec. 22.

        The drive is conducted by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in cooperation with Kroger stores and Channel 19 (Fox).

        To donate, take food to any participating area Kroger store, or buy nonperishable food items at Kroger.

        Food collection barrels with “Food From The Heart” labels are prominently placed at Kroger store exits.

        All food will be distributed directly to area families in need over the holidays.

        The Sickle Cell Foundation and the American Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation will get a boost this year from proceeds from the Midwest Hair Explosion Act 2001, from 7-9:30 p.m., Dec. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Grand Ballroom, downtown.

        The show features hairstylists from Indianapolis, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Toledo and Middletown, and special guest, Cool C of Detroit.

        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.
       

Identity thieves make messes of victims' lives
Ohioans could rise in House hierarchy
More ERs divert patients
Veto a motion? Mayor's power unclear
Chiropractor indicted, accused of fraud
Cincinnati investigates Ky. pedophile suspect
GOP budget triples Luken cuts
Local store may have sold videos to hijackers
Metro warns of rising bus fare, reduced service
New UC course will explore bioterrorism threat, preparedness
OTR poor benefit from mother's rich legacy
Scott Shively, Q102 radio personality, dies
Teachers mad at 'mandate'
Tristate A.M. Report
Two area balloonists part of unofficial record
Use-of-force policy defended by chief
HOWARD: Some Good News
RADEL: Sensitive cop
Duning's court case under way in Warren
Oneida school to be razed
Family helps empty lot become park
Kentucky News Briefs
Sudden death saddens school
Workers could get refunds