From prospective nurses to city officials, many Tristaters are putting on a variety of holiday benefits.

Christ Hospital School of Nursing's Student Council conducted a "Spirit of Christmas Holiday" program for Taft Elementary School students Tuesday at the school, 270 Southern Ave., Mount Auburn.

They gave a performance and gifts to the students.

Gamble Elementary School kindergartners were treated to a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, pastry and juice Wednesday at the school, 2146 Ferguson Road, Westwood.

Breakfast was sponsored by Dater High School National Honor Society. Culinary students at Dater and Western Hills Traditional high schools cooked the meal. The children also received Christmas gifts.

About 200 youths from the Talbert House and St. Aloysius Orphanage were treated last week to a burger, fries and a malt by Cincinnati Vice Mayor Alicia Reece and Johnny Rockets restaurant.

The lunch was followed by a tour of the Newport Aquarium with director Dr. Tim Mullican.

The children also received special holiday gifts.

"We wanted to show the community how much we care about the children throughout the city," said Dr Mullican.

St. Joseph Orphanage needs help, said Gloria Wahler, marketing director.

"We are not receiving as many holiday donations as we have in the past," she said. "It is hard to explain to a young child that the economy is not doing so well, therefore there are not as many gifts under the tree this year."

To help, call Ms. Wahler at 741-5690, ext. 2115.

St. Joseph Orphanage provides crisis therapeutic mental health services to more than 2,000 children every year, Ms. Wahler said.

Students at Cheviot School, 4040 Harrison Ave., collected $508 in their Quarters for Caring Campaign and donated it to the United Way/Community Chest.

Several east-side schools have been involved in acts of kindness during the holiday season.

Second-graders at Mariemont Elementary school performed three plays, sang songs and passed out refreshments at the Arden Court, an Alzheimer's unit in Anderson Township.

Students at Terrace Park Elementary School are bringing canned items and toys to donate to Inter Parish Ministries, money for the Kim Haines Lung Transplant Fund.

The Mariemont High School Leadership Council adopted a Navajo family and donated $300 in gifts. The sophomore class collected more than 200 coats to be distributed to the needy.

Students at Fairfax Elementary made wreaths and delivered them to Tender Mercies, a homeless shelter in Over-the-Rhine.

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.