This could bring back memories: Mount Notre Dame High School plans to rock around the clock with a sock hop from 7-11 p.m. today.

Anybody can attend, said Lisa Eccles, one of the organizers.

"Just bring something we can use to auction off at a fund-raiser in March,'' Eccles said. "You can wear anything. Some of the committee members are wearing jeans, socks and gym shoes.''

She said the purpose of the Sock Hop Dance is collect items to auction off at the school's major fund-raiser, the Grande Gala.

The Grande Gala is set for March 6 in the school's gymnasium, 711 E. Columbia Ave., Reading.

Eccles said items for raffle may include gift certificates, cash donations, a vacation package, a house or a car.

"There is no limit to what people may bring to auction off. Last year, we had enough items that we raised about $100,000,'' Eccles said.

For information, call 683-4523.

Starfire party

Starfire Council's Sixth Annual Final Four FlyAway party and fund-raiser is set for March 26 at Paul Brown Stadium's club lounge.

Lynn Thesing, executive director of Starfire, said Paul Brown Stadium may be the permanent home for the Final Four FlyAway event.

"We have outgrown three different venues for this event," Thesing said.

The party, which is centered around the NCAA basketball tournament, includes an open bar, food, live music, a silent auction of sports memorabilia and big-screen televisions for watching the games.

"We have something for everyone,'' said Kelli Neville, who is co-chairing the event with Alex Quinn. Flyaway is sponsored by PNC Bank, TransAmerica Financial, Cintas Foundation, Bardes Foundation, Graydon Head & Ritchey, the Robert C. & Adele Schiff Foundation and Ferno-Washington.

Transplant fund-raiser

A Valentine's Day fund-raiser will help a pair of Butler County siblings who are battling a life-threatening disease and need double-lung transplants.

A $25 raffle ticket will buy a shot at a $10,000 cash prize - or a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, said Dave Crawford, a Hamilton police officer who is helping to organize fund-raisers on the family's behalf. The drawing will be at Rose Chevrolet, Hamilton, on Feb. 14.

For tickets, call Lori Batdorf at 737-9301.

Proceeds will assist Josh Hurley, 19, and his sister, Bobbi, 20, of Milford Township. Each faces the prospect of a double-lung transplant that will cost $500,000.

Both were born with cystic fibrosis, which impairs breathing and digestion; they have lived much longer than doctors thought they would.

Contributions are accepted at Fifth Third Bank branches.

Churches unite for charity

The Caring Place, operating out of the Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church, 6312 Kennedy Ave., is a place where different denominations, races, ethnic groups, children and adults volunteer to help about 2,000 needy families a year.

The effort is a 22-year tradition, said Carol Chamberlin, of Milford who serves as executive director of the Caring Place.

"The food pantry passes out food to needy families in Kennedy Heights, Silverton, Pleasant Ridge and Golf Manor,'' Chamberlin said.

Tuesday and Thursday, volunteers at the Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church work with other volunteers from Nativity Church, Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian, St. Peter's United Methodist Church of Christ, All Saints Episcopal and Our Lady Queen of Peace, all in Pleasant Ridge; Cornerstone Missionary Baptist and First Baptist, both of Kennedy Heights, and Fellowship of Jesus Christ, Silverton.

"We sort and distribute clothing, food, cleaning and cosmetic supplies,'' Chamberlin said. "We have students from Nativity and Seven Hills come in and help with unloading and sorting food.''

Recently a group of students from Nativity conducted a drive to collect warm-weather clothing for those in need, including such items as ear muffs, scarves, gloves and even hot chocolate, Chamberlin said.