They are not pennies from heaven, just spare change that students from Turkey Foot Middle School in Erlanger, Ky., were able to collect.

The student council launched the penny drive for the Turkey Foot Middle School Youth Services Center.

"The students pushed the drive through 24 homerooms and were able to get the teachers involved,'' said Susan Back, coordinator of the center. "It actually involved more than pennies. For instance, other homerooms were able to bomb whichever room was in the lead with nickels, dimes and quarters."

Turkey Foot Middle School parents count change. (Provided photo)

Seventeen parents volunteered to count the change collected in the drive, which amounted to $2,196, Back said.

"We use the money to help needy families. Some of it is used to sponsor parenting programs at the center and also to support winter sports," Back said.

Turkey Foot Middle School is a part of the Kenton County School District.

Dancing for food

Rockin' for the Stockin' 2003, in its 12th year to collect canned goods for the needy, has started.

The collection drive included a dance fest Dec. 5 for 400 students at Rex Ralph Elementary School, Mount Healthy. Students danced to music for 20 minutes in the gymnasium for one canned good for charity.

The collections included toys, food and clothes from charitable events from all five elementary schools in the district along with collections from the city. They are being combined and sorted into 400 shopping bags.

They gifts will be distributed from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 11 at Mount Healthy High School.

Clothing needed

All Clermont County Public Library branches are accepting donations of new clothing for the YWCA House of Peace until Dec. 16. This year, the House of Peace needs new sweaters, coats, mittens, hats, tube socks and undergarments for children ranging from newborns to teens.

Information: Lynn Stranz at 732-0450 ext. 14.

Bone marrow drive

A bone marrow drive will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Wellness Community, 4918 Cooper Road, Blue Ash. Appointments are required to donate. To schedule an appointment, call 513-348-9610.

Laura Spriggs, wife of Stephen Spriggs, who suffers from Hodgkin's disease and needs a stem cell transplant to survive, is hosting the drive.

"This drive will probably not find a donor suitable for Stephen, but hopefully it will benefit others,'' Laura Spriggs said. "A drive held in Portsmouth where Stephen grew up has led to at least one potential match for a searching patient.''

Academic All-Stars: Wetzel on dean's list

Katherine Wetzel, a junior marketing and economics major, was named to the summer quarter dean's list at Ohio University.

The Mariemont High School graduate is the daughter of Debbie and Lou Wetzel of Mariemont.

Music scholarships

The Clifton Music Club of Cincinnati has awarded musical scholarships to the following students as a result of their Bowed Strings Competition.

First place: Emma Sutton, 16, violin. Emma, who is home-schooled, has studied for eight years and is the student of Kurt Sassmannshaus. She is the daughter of Callae and Tom Sutton of Pierce Township.

Second place: Molly Rogers, age 14, violin. Molly, also home-schooled, has studied for eight years and is the student of Tze Yean Lim. She is the daughter of Mary Anna and John Rogers of Frankfort, Ky.

Third place: Lauren Latessa, age 16, cello. Lauren attends Lakota West High School and is a student of Laura McLellan. She is the daughter of Patricia and Bob Latessa of West Chester Township.

Madeira grads honored

The Madeira Schools Foundation John D. Rahe Scholarship was awarded to the following Madeira High School Class of 2003 graduates:

Jenny Miller, who attends Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti; Tanya Richardson, attending Northern Kentucky University; and Joshua Stevens, attending the University of Cincinnati.

To submit an item, call 755-4165.