They were at the Newport Aquarium last week when Timothy Rawe, president of Fifth Third Bank of Northern Kentucky, presented a $100,000 check to the Aquarium's WAVE foundation.

"The money will be used to set up curricula for children when they come to the aquarium,'' said Jill Isaacs, public relations manager for the aquarium.

"Through the foundation, we educate them about marine life. The foundation also includes our 300 volunteers at the aquarium.''

A.D. Owens school is one of Fifth Third Bank Northern Kentucky's Best Partners through the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Fifth Third Bank also was a major contributor to the campaign to build a facility for the creative, performing and visual arts in Over-the-Rhine with a $500,000 check to Cincinnati Arts School Inc.

"Clearly this is a major contribution in the efforts to provide art for children K-12 in Over-the-Rhine,'' said John Zurick, who heads the campaign to build the $50 million complex next to music hall.

Fifth Third's contribution is part of its $26.5 million in donations to organizations in its eight-state region.

BusinessWeek has listed the bank as fourth among America's most philanthropic companies as a percentage of revenues donated to charity.

Deerfield hires planner

Mayank Kumar who earned his master's degree in Community Planning with a thesis comparing the projected increase in land value of properties within Deerfield Township will put that knowledge to work as an analyst for the township planning department.

The township trustees hired Kumar Tuesday as an urban planning analyst for the Zoning and Planning Department.

Kumar had worked for the township as a contract interim planner since July.

He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor's degree in architecture and a master's in community planning.

He will be responsible for developing proposals and monitoring approved development projects to ensure compliance with the township zoning resolution, land use plan and other planning documents.

Kumar will also make recommendations to the Warren County Regional Planning Commission, township zoning commission,Board of Trustees, and coordinate a township database for a geographic information system.

Toys distributed

The Cincinnati Salvation Army distributed more than 10,000 toys to families this week to ensure all Tristate children will have a special and joyous holiday.

Secret angel honored

Teachers and staff at Guardian Angels School, Mount Washington, remember Sammi Moss as their secret angel.

The daughter of teacher Debbie Moss died four years ago of cancer.

The staff and teachers carry on her memory by buying large gifts for the Ronald McDonald House.

Giving back: Blood donors honored

It could be a holiday gift, although the 14 people honored by the Hoxworth Blood Center for donating more than 10 gallons of blood the latter part of November didn't have that kind of gift in mind.

Damien Hinderer of Oldenburg, Ind., led the list of donors with 39 gallons. vBeverly T. Dorenbusch of vLoveland was second with v22 gallons.

Other donors included vDaniel E. Baker, vHarrison, 20; Sherman L. Peeno, Glendale, 19; Steven C. Brandstetter, Wyoming, 14; and Nancy A Moore, Loveland, 13.

Jim McGinnis, Norwood, Thomas M Broxterman, Covedale, and Robert W. Birk, Withamsville, all donated v12 gallons each.

vMichael C. Menges, vWest Chester, donated v11 gallons.

vFour people donatedv 10 gallons each. They were vKenneth A. Wegenhart, Madeira; Joseph P. Ross, Westwood; Donald R. Meier, Monfort Heights; and Ward A. Garrabrant, Colerain Township.

The honors came just as Hoxworth was preparing to celebrate its 65th year.

The community blood center was started Dec. 10, 1938, under the direction of Dr. Paul I. Hoxworth.

Today, the center is under the direction of Dr. Ronald A Sacher and is a leader in transfusion medicine.

If you would like to donate blood, call 451-0910, or start a blood drive by calling 558-1280.