The Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center's largest and longest-running show - the Travel, Sports and Boat Show - will have an extra benefit this year.

Owners of the show will partner with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to conduct a coat drive Jan 10-19 at the Center.

The aim to collect new or "gently used" coats for those in need, said Liz Carter, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Specially marked bins will be in the lobby to collect the coats.

Also, there will be two coat checks during the show, with all proceeds going directly to help Cincinnati needy families.

The show is presented by Dodge and produced by Hart Productions Inc.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Hart Productions in a program that helps so many of our neighbors in need stay warm during the cold winter months,'' said Ms Carter.

She said the cash proceeds from the coat check will help provide emergency assistance to those who need help with heating bills and other necessities.

The show, which features a display of boats, accessories, marine services, personal watercraft and outdoor equipment, runs Friday,5-9:30 p.m.; Jan. 11 and 18, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

It is closed Monday, , but runs 5-9:30 p.m., Jan 14-16; noon-9:30 p.m., Jan 17, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan 19.

During a coat drive earlier this winter, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul collected about 4,000 coats that were distributed to needy families.

The Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati continues its efforts through this year by helping to cloth kids for schools, decorating caps for oncology patients at Children's Hospital and helping the victims of rape and domestic violence.

The league was founded in 1995 and is made up of 70 women who volunteer their services.

The group took 600 children on a shopping trip last fall, purchasing shirts, pants, sweatshirts, underwear, socks, backpacks, school supplies and hygiene items.

They have prepared kits for rape and domestic violence victims who often have to leave their clothes at hospitals for testing. The kits contain sweat suits, underwear, makeup and hygiene items

"We are still trying to clothe as many children as we can,'' said Suzanne Shields, public relations director. "Over 5,000 kits have been distributed to victims of rape and domestic violence since we started the program in 1995.''

The group supports its activities through fund raising, contributions and grants.

Last year, the league received the volunteer award from the Greater Cincinnati Coalition on Domestic Violence, the Extra Mile Award from Cincinnati Parents for Public Schools and the Outstanding Volunteer Services Award from Vine Elementary School.

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.