The Rev. Cheryl Denise Ward, who operates Joyce's House, a transitional housing program for teenagers leaving the foster care system, has teamed up with Brandon Reems, a pastor at Center of Hope Community Church, and the Rev. Frank Jackson of Faith Presbyterian Church.

They will be distributing 1,000 backpacks on a first-come, first-serve basis, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Bushrod Park, 560 59th St. Another 100 backpacks will be provided to foster homes in Oakland.

In another community campaign, Dee Johnson and Barbara Taylor of the Lend A Hand Foundation will provide 1,000 backpacks for disadvantaged youth in three Oakland schools and homeless shelters. On Saturday, volunteers will be filling backpacks with school supplies.

The organization is still in need of supplies such as binders, binder paper, pens, pencils, hand calculators and markers. The foundation's fourth annual Back To School Giveaway will be Aug. 28 beginning at noon at Eastmont Town Center, upper level, 7200 Bancroft Ave.

For more information, call Taylor at 436-5253. Ward can be reached at 597-1667.