Teens give valentine gifts

The middle school students at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village will provide backpacks stuffed with school supplies for Ventura County children in need at 11:30 a.m. today, Thurs. Feb. 14.

At the Dream Fund Outreach's inaugural Educator's JOY Awards last year, teachers expressed concern for children who cannot afford basic school supplies. A large number of these children are not only handicapped in doing the work required, but they are often ridiculed by fellow students.

Santa Barbara's Miss Outstanding Teen Carley Ryckman was assisting at the awards event and wanted to help these children. Ryckman approached Paula Phillips, TDFO's founder and director, about setting up a backpack drive at her school.

In January, Ryckman and Phillips challenged the Oaks Christian middle schoolers to collect 50 school supply-stuffed backpacks by Valentine's Day.

At the launch rally, Phillips said, "When everyone pitches in and works together, mountains can be moved."

The students turned in 100 filled backpacks for children in need.

The Dream Fund Outreach, based in Ventura County, worked with children in schools, classrooms, and youth organizations locally and around the country for 16 years.

For more information, call the organization at (805) 5822482 or (805) 501-4889.