Eighth-graders at St. Anthony of Padua School in North Akron deserve a real pat on the back for their creative efforts this week -- Catholic Schools Week -- to assist 20-year-old Akron resident Andy Holcomb, who was severely injured a year ago in an industrial shredder/baler accident.

Thirteen eighth-graders raffled themselves off to students in the lower grades at a cost of 25 cents a chance, hiring themselves out to carry the winners' books, help with homework, do other chores, help them color or just be their friendly shadow for the day.

Cindy Coates -- a bartender at Anthe's restaurant on Manchester Road -- is so inspired by Andy Holcomb and his family's courage that she turned $150 she received from an insurance check into a gift certificate at the restaurant for his parents, Gary and Sheila Holcomb.

Elijah -- who is in the Calico program run by the Summit County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities -- was recently diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is in the throes of a nine-month chemotherapy regimen.

A benefit is planned to assist 49-year-old Tom Hazard with medical expenses associated with his recent diagnosis of multiple myeloma -- cancer of the plasma cells.

The fundraiser, a dinner/silent auction/dance (with DJ), is planned for 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the VFW Hall at 690 W. Waterloo Road, Akron. Food; BYOB (mixers provided). Cost is $20.

In addition to Wayne Homes, other sponsors are Buckingham, Doolittle and Burroughs law firm; Omnova Solutions; Goodyear; FirstMerit Bank; Ohio Wholesale; Akron Children's Hospital; Don Sitts Auto Sales; WAKR, WQMX and WONE radio; Whitey's Premium Chili in Richfield; Willoughby Supply; and Crystal Clinic.

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