Another busy year for Red Cross

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to an average of two disasters per day and provided support for some of the costliest disasters of 2003.

It provided nine disaster volunteers and several emergency-response vehicles to relief efforts for hurricanes Claudette and Isabel and the southern California wildfires, as well as many single-family and multiple-family fires. To donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: (513) 579-3000 or visit www.cincinnatiredcross.org.

Church members grieve for victims

FINNEYTOWN - Members of the local Greek Orthodox community mourned Saturday for the victims of a mudslide that ravaged a California church.

"Our hearts go out to these people," said Ted McKay Jr., president of the parish council at Holy Trinity/Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Finneytown.

Four children from the St. Sofia church camp were among seven people found dead after mudslides devastated a canyon recently burned bare in the San Bernardino Mountains, officials said Saturday.

Fund established for fire victims

WEST CHESTER - A fund has been established to help the Sandra Franjoine family, whose house on Cinnamon Woods Drive burned on Christmas Day. Contributions to the Franjoine Fire Fund can be made at any US Bank branch.

DON'T MISS THIS

Enjoy a family hike or learn about amphibians today at Animal Days at Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road in Sharonville. The free program shows how amphibians survive the winter. Family hikes begin at 10 a.m., and the live animal program starts at 2 p.m. For more information call: (513) 563-4513.