The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission wants unused Bengals tickets to give to underprivileged children.

Last week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars saw about 20,000 tickets go unused. The commission thinks that at least that many seats may be empty for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.

The program was apparently the brainchild of Councilman Chris Monzel. He did not return phone calls seeking comment, but announced the "Bengals Tickets for Tots" program in a news release.

"Even though the Grinch has stolen our Bengals football team again this year, we can't let him steal Christmas as well," he said in the news release.

"I am asking Bengals ticket holders not to throw away their tickets to this Sunday's game, but instead donate them to underprivileged children. ... This Sunday's game may be a poor excuse for professional football, but for many of those kids it will be a Super Bowl."

Tickets may be dropped off at the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, 805 Central Ave., seventh floor, by noon Friday. For information, call 352-3406.