The seven Warren County food pantries are busy supplying the year-round needs of children and families, plus adding a little brightness to the holidays.

        They could use donations of food, money and volunteers.

        “We definitely need food donations,” said Majorie Israel, executive director of the Salvation Army in South Lebanon. “We are going to have to buy food.'

        She said they have always done Christmas food baskets. People who need help and come in and sign up will get a turkey basket. Parents may sign up children for Christmas gifts, she said.

        “Some parents have already signed up,” she said.

        They may sign up at the Salvation Army office at 33 Broadway, South Lebanon.

        Daily requests for food and financial help have skyrocketed at the Franklin Food Pantry, 345 South Main St., said Bob Alexander, executive director.

        "More and more people are coming in after being laid off or losing their jobs at big-name companies,” he said.

        To help or volunteer, or if in need of help, call:

        • FAITH Emergency Services in Mason: 459-8509.

        • Franklin Community Services: 746-7791.

        • Kings Local Community Services: 494-2696.

        • Lebanon Community Services: 932-1716.

        • Little Miami Food Services: 899-4802.

        • Salvation Army, South Lebanon: 494-1911.

        • Waynesville Community Services: 897-8835.

        Students at Roger Bacon High School will give a Christmas party for students at St. Francis Seraph and St. Joseph elementary schools today from 3-5 p.m.

        This will be the first time the school has given a Christmas party for elementary schools on the high school campus.

        Students at St. Xavier High school will be loading canned foods today to be delivered to Monticello, Ky. and Ivanhoe, Va.

        More than 85,000 pounds of canned foods were collected in the school's 2001 Advent Canned Food Drive.

        On Friday, the students will pack food boxes to be delivered to area families Sunday. The packing will take place noon-4 p.m., Saturday in the school cafeteria.

        More than 400 families, 15 social service agencies and three Appalachian communities are receiving food from the drive.

        St. Ursula Academy Student Outreach Services will load trucks today at 4 p.m. with toys, food, toiletries and clothing to be delivered to underprivileged families in Harlan, Ky.

        The Christmas basket will be delivered to Martins Fork Interfaith Center in Harlan.

        St Ursula Academy is a Catholic college-preparatory school.

        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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