Many schools and churches have programs planned to celebrate the sprit of the season:

Florence Christian Church, 300 Main St., Florence, has planned a program to recreate the atmosphere around the birth of Christ.

Members will present the "Walk to Bethlehem" Friday and Saturday, re-enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph.

"It will start in the church activities room, move to the sidewalk and around the church," said Betty Williams, a church member. "This really gets you into the mood of what Christmas means."

A guide will lead the walk along a scene depicting the journey as Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, with marketplace foods, live camels, goats, donkeys, shepherds, angels, Roman centurions, the census takers in the marketplace of Bethlehem and other Biblical characters.

Five different scenes will be depicted, including the barn where Jesus was born.

The presentation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Groups of 10-15 people will depart every 10 minutes on the walk.

The Winton Woods High School Varsity Ensemble will participate in "Happy Holidays From The Pops," with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Local celebrity Nick Clooney will narrate the concert. There will be songs by tenor Kevin Anderson, performances by the College Conservatory of Music's musical theater department, the Cincinnati Men's Chorus and the Cincinnati Children's Choir.

The Cincinnati Studio Cloggers and Venture Dancers of the Cincinnati Ballet will dance.

The 42-member Winton Woods Varsity Ensemble frequently performs with CSO and the Pops.

St. Xavier High School students are conducting their annual Advent Canned Food Drive, seeking donations of money and nonperishable food items.

This year's goal is to collect 100,000 pounds of food to assist 400 to 500 families and support the work of 15 social service agencies in Cincinnati and three in Appalachian communities.

The Young Adult Board of the West Chester Library is seeking donations of gently worn hats, mittens or gloves for its Giving Tree. All sizes are welcome. The clothing will be donated to Dove House, a protective shelter for adults and children.

Clothing should be brought to the library. For more information, call 777-3131.

A holiday book drive will run through Dec. 18 at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce office, 2945 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills.

Books will be wrapped and given to children at area day cares and schools as Christmas presents.

Cash donations are also accepted.

Allen Howard's "Some Good News" column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.