Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the community-based foundation has supported hundreds of graduates with scholarships to help pay college tuition. "Through the generosity of our community, this year we'll be able to give in excess of $30,000 in scholarships to graduates from Paradise and Ridgeview High Schools, notes PSF Mark Dale. "In recent years we've helped between 20 and 25 students in each graduating class."

Donations to PSF are tax-deductible and can be in any amount. Annual membership dues are $50. "Every penny we raise goes into the general fund to pay for scholarships," Dale says. "We've been a rather quiet organization, just meeting and giving out money, but it's vital now that we reach out to the community for additional support so we can help more kids. These are great kids and we need to stand by them."

For information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, write to P.O. Box 151, Paradise, CA 95967, or go to www.paradisescholarships.org.