As the Easter Seals of Southwestern Ohio looked at the dwindling donations for 2001, it appeared obvious that the 75 adults and seniors with disabilities in the agency's Adult Day Health Program would not have a Christmas party.

        That was one of the items that had to be shaved from the budget, said Bridgett Golden, director of development at Easter Seals.

        She said as the agency tightened its budget, she began calling around asking for donations to raise money for a small party.

        “People in this program range in ages from 27 to 102 and their conditions include dementia to paralysis,” Ms. Golden said.

        A week passed, with no response. Then she received a call from Ethicon Endo-Surgery of Blue Ash — offering not only money, but wanting to provide personalized gifts.

        Clients in the Adult Day Health Program were asked what they wanted for Christmas, Ms. Golden said.

        “Most of them said socks, gloves, a warm scarf and a new pair of shoes,” she said.

        Also, Wal-Mart in Colerain Township and the Tri-County-area Target donated $50 each for sugar-free snacks and drinks.

        The gymnasium was decorated for a Christmas party with holiday plates and treats at each setting. Christmas music was played.

        “After lunch, doors were opened to the gymnasium as the clients were brought in. You can't imagine the surprise and excitement on their faces,” Ms. Golden said.

        Seven Ethicon employees came with the 75 personalized gifts, wrapped with names on them.

        “The gifts were more than what we could imagine; high-quality lined gloves and sweatshirts, shoes, new coats. I was speechless and so were the clients,” Ms. Golden said.

        COVINGTON — As revelers at Jillian's ring in the New Year tonight, they can help the Fire Department of New York City.

        Jillian's will be part of “Red White and Blue 2002,” a nationwide effort by Jillian's Entertainment Corporation to raise emergency equipment money for the FDNY.

        Each “Red White and Blue 2002” New Year's Eve party at Jillian's 37 locations nationwide will feature music, games and buffets.

        “What better way (to help) than to have an event that keeps everybody positive and looking toward the future but aids an event that touched each and every one of us?” said Jillian's spokesman Keith LaBelle.

        From every “Red White and Blue 2002” ticket sold nationwide, $5 will be given directly to the FDNY. Jillian's projects it will raise $350,000.

        “Red, White and Blue 2002,” for patrons 21 and older, runs 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. tonight at Jillian's, 522 W. 12th, Covington. Tickets, $55, can be purchased at the door or by calling (859) 491-5388.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Thursday. 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.

Year in Review: 9-11 eclipses everything else
Year in Cincinnati: Riots, trials, national scrutiny
Many ringing in new year at home
New Year's Day closings
Already counting down to 2003
No end in sight for cold weather
Old case shows how smallpox can be fought
What makes smallpox such a serious threat
Police set to use new GPS devices
Weekend shootings leave 2 dead
Citizens do their part to close racial divide
Congrats
Good News: Firm helps group give its party
Local Digest
Vets share sky-high pride
You Asked For It
Halfway house criticized
Hospital allows patients to order own tests
Troops from Ft. Campbell to relieve Marines
Ky. budget woes throw state raises in question
Posters target evasive dads