Four parents who live in Covington's City Heights didn't let the lack of transportation stop them from volunteering at Latonia Elementary School, where their children attend.

Each Thursday, from 11:30 a.m., to 1 p.m., Shawna Arnold, Mona Causey, Kizzie Rice and Cardelia Robbins gather at the Covington Housing Authority's Todd Center.

There they produce hand-made books for use in the school's reading program and kindergarten classes. They cut, collate, assemble and bind pages for student workbooks, which are used to measure reading comprehension.

"This is a way for us to volunteer without going to the school," said Causey. "We do whatever the teachers don't get a chance to do."

The women formed the volunteer group two months ago.

"This outreach is a great way to involve parents in a productive manner that is outside the conventional mindset of how volunteering is viewed," said Pat Berry, principal. "Our Family Resource Center has done a great job matching volunteer opportunities with the needs of our parents."

Evanston lauded

One way to get to know your neighbor is start a cleanup campaign, says Irene Bolden.

She did it as chairwoman of the Evanston Community Council beautification committee. She met lots of neighbors as they planted flowers in an effort to beautify the neighborhood.

Evanston won a certificate of appreciation from Hamilton County Commissioners for its "Getting to Know Your Neighbor" program, part of the city's Keep Cincinnati Beautiful projects.

"We are honored to accept this award and vow to continue to improve our neighborhood," Bolden said.

Christmas in Baghdad

A local company teamed with a Cub Scout Pack to launch "Operation Christmas in Baghdad."

Cub Scout Pack 35 from Lebanon worked with Ransohoff Inc. to collect and send 1,400 pounds of supplies to Air Force and Army troops stationed at Baghdad International Airport.

The items included tissues, lotions, deodorants, facial cloths, magazines, books, Playstation 2 games, Dreamcast games, DVDs and VHS movies, games, puzzles, snacks, canned goods, CDs, tapes and Christmas decorations.

Student food collection

More than 139 families will receive Christmas bags from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Mount Healthy High School, 2046 Adams Road.

Food was collected by students in the district and in the city.

Behind the Badge: Sergeant makes extra effort

EVENDALE - Evendale Police Sgt. Joe Asbrock recently went out of his way to help Evendale Elementary School with drug-free educational activities during Red Ribbon Week, a themed week to spread the anti-drug message.

Asbrock provided Betsy Taylor, the school nurse school, with materials that could be used as incentives during school programs.

Items included a basketball, bookmarks, magnets, backpacks and playing cards.

After receiving a call from Taylor, who was running out of time gathering prizes for the activities, Asbrock came in on his own time to prepare the items. He also arranged to get them to the school.

"I kind of found out at the last moment that I was going to be responsible for ... Red Ribbon Week," Taylor said. "The speed that he used in getting it up here was a big help for me. He was really great. He really helped me get it up to speed and get everything going."

Send police and fire items to behindthebadge@fuse.net