The Christmas break for the 980 students at Elder High School started with a goodwill mission as the students distributed food baskets and gifts to 250 families.

        They had collected money, food and toys throughout the neighborhood.

        “Just about every student at the school was involved in some way,” said Sean Kelley, marketing director for Elder High School.

        “Those who did not help with the collecting, helped to package the food and wrap gifts, and others were involved in the delivery.”

        The distribution took place Thursday afternoon, starting about 1:20 p.m.

        Parents, alumni and teachers helped the students with the distribution.

        “We get the names from various agencies in the city and personally deliver the baskets to the homes of those families,” said Roger Auer, a teacher and coordinator of Elder's community service.

        “We find that the delivery to the home really assists those who have trouble with transportation,” Mr. Auer said.

        Mr. Auer said it was a fitting way for the students to begin their Christmas break.

        “This is what the season is all about,” he said.

        The all-boys Catholic school is at 3900 Vincent Ave. in Price Hill.

        Teasha Nicole Fullwood, 12, a seventh-grader at St. Boniface School, 4305 Pitts Ave., Northside, was among the support runners as the Olympic torch passed through Cincinnati recently.

        Support runners get to keep their uniforms, which added to Teasha's excitement.

        The uniform consisted of a light jacket, a long-sleeve T-shirt, lightweight pants, a fleece cap and gloves.

        Support runners are not required to wear the complete uniform, but had to wear the pants and either the T-shirt or jacket.

        They are allowed to add heavier clothing during inclement weather.

        “We are going to frame (the uniform),” said her mother, Shari Johnson.

        A specially trained security staff is protecting the 180-year-old Taft Museum of Art building, 316 Pike St., downtown, as the historic landmark undergoes a $17.5 million renovation and expansion project.

        The security staff was trained by the H.C. Nutting Co. of Columbia Tusculum.

        After receiving haz-mat and firefighting training, the security staff was certified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Health.

        “A historic building such as the Taft may contain hazardous construction materials,” John Ring, chief of protection services, said.

        The museum is expected to reopen in spring 2003.

        For a schedule of off-site programming while the museum is under renovation, call (513) 241-0343.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are doing acts of kindness, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.

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