Applause magazine is looking for nominees to be a part of its 2003 Reach For The Stars and Emerging Leaders celebration during Black History Month in February.

Sallie Elliott, publisher, said this is a chance to honor people who are making a significant difference in the African-American community.

The magazine is looking for "someone that has emerged as a role model and leader for others," Ms. Elliott said. "This is a chance to salute an individual that is changing the Greater Cincinnati area for the better; a young African-American leader who deserves the prestigious recognition that this award embodies."

Deadline for nomination is Dec. 16. Nomination forms are available at any public library branch or by calling 761-6900.

Ms. Elliott said nominees must be 30 years old or under and highly successful. Contributions for which the nominee is recognized must have been made within the last two years.

The nominees will be selected on their professional achievements, community service and demonstrated leadership abilities.

Ms. Elliott said recipients will be honored in February. The magazine will feature profiles of each of the recipients in its Black History Month edition. WLWT-TV Channel 5 will feature vignettes on each emerging leader in February.

Photos and profiles of each recipient will be displayed in the atrium of the Main Public Library downtown.

The Mental Health Association's Warren County Compeer Program needs volunteers.

Rosalyn Dadas, coordinator, said 13 people - nine women and four men - are on the waiting list to be matched with a Compeer volunteer friend.

"Those on the waiting list are in recovery from a brain disorder like depression, anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder," Ms. Dadas said.

She said volunteers need to complete an application form. They will be interviewed and trained by the Compeer staff.

"Volunteers get to choose a friend based on their interest and where each lives," Ms. Dadas said. "The holiday season is a great time to think of others and make a commitment to do something special for someone in need."

She said Compeer is an international award-winning program, matching trained community volunteers in friendship relationships with people with brain disorders or mental illnesses.

Eighty families received Thanksgiving dinners through WCIN-1480 radio's fifth annual food drive.

The radio station partnered with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, United Dairy Farmers and the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati to conduct the drive.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.