Kindergartners and third-graders at John F. Dumont Elementary School in Madeira are helping to tackle worldwide hunger with a "Read and Feed" program through Heifer International.

The 425 students have raised $5,000 through pledges from families, friends and neighbors for the amount of books they could read in six weeks.

With the funds they will purchase an "ark" consisting of pairs of several animals, including cows, oxen, hives of bees, sheep, water buffalo, goats, pigs, camels, llamas, donkeys, ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits, two flocks of geese and two flocks of chickens.

The animals will be distributed worldwide to small farmers through the Heifer International Project.

Heifer International, based in Little Rock, Ark., combats hunger, alleviates poverty and restores the environment by providing livestock, training and related services to small farmers worldwide.

The agency believes farm animals are ongoing sources of food and income. Giving is passed on because each family that receives animals passes on the offspring to another family in need.

"Obviously we are very proud of our children that participated in this project," said Stephanie Welt, a parent. "They certainly learned that they can make a difference and they started off the holiday season giving wonderful gifts to people all over the world."

The works of 18th century English painter Thomas Gainsborough will be the topic of Dr. John Wilson, consulting curator of painting and sculpture, at 10 a.m. Jan. 11 at the Mariemont Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave.

The free slide talk is part of the "Artful Evenings" lecture series, focusing on "Masters of the Taft," at various branch libraries.

Gainsborough (1727-1788) was the leading portraitist in England and Europe.

Information, call 241-0343, ext. 15, or 369-4467.

The holiday greeting cards recycling project continues. Bob Moody, owner of Bob's 50% Off Cards in Florence, said he has received about 20,000 cards this year.

"They bring them to me. I count them, package them and then send them to Mary Shinkles," Mr. Moody said.

Ms. Shinkles is coordinator of solid waste for the Boone County Public Works Department. She said the cards are recycled and sent to the St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder, Nev.

The children make new cards from the old ones and sell them in through the ranch newsletter and gift shop.

Ms. Shinkles said they sent 58,000 cards to the ranch last year.

She said schools and churches can get involved by holding a greeting cards drive. Information, call 859-334-3151.

Cards may be sent to Bob's 50% Off Cards, 8470 U.S. 42, Florence.

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.