TRUCKERS DRIVE FOR CHARITY : 40-MILE TREK RAISES MONEY FOR CHILDREN.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

Their hands weathered from time and labor, more than a dozen truckers carefully decorated their giant diesels with holiday wreaths, tinsel and red bows before they hit the road Sunday for a 40-mile charity ride.

Coordinated by the Ventura County Chapter of the California Dump Truck Owners Association, the truckers made a 40-mile trek from Simi Valley to Ventura to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation - a nonprofit group that thrives to fulfill the wishes of children who have life-threatening diseases or who are terminally ill.

``We wanted to do whatever we could to help,'' said Walt Dobbs, director of the CDTOA's Ventura County chapter. ``These are children who've been dealt pretty rough cards - this is our way to reach out.''

Several families with children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation thanked the truckers in Ventura at the final destination point, where foundation officials were also given more than $1,600 raised from Sunday's event.

Jim Cox of Ventura - the only trucker of the group who owns a Santa Claus suit - said the cross-county charity ride was a fun way to contribute to a good cause.

``I like to help kids out,'' said Cox, a man with a salt-and-pepper beard who handed out candy canes to the Make-A-Wish youngsters. ``These kids need all the help they can get.''

This is the first year the Ventura County chapter has participated in a charity run for Make-A-Wish, said Dobbs, who hopes to organize future fund-raisers for the foundation on a yearly basis. Sunday's event was modeled after a similar CDTOA fund-raiser last year in San Bernardino County that raised nearly $7,000.

Ventura County truckers had to raise a minimum of $100 to participate in Sunday's charity run. More than 50 sponsors countywide donated to the cause, including Kean's Unocal Service, Phil Skeen Trucking, A.L.H. Rock and Sand, and Ed's Trucking.

Chuck Boyle, a CDTOA member from the San Fernando Valley, raised nearly $700 to participate.

Instead of bringing one of his company's trucks to Sunday's run, Boyle drove his flashy, custom-made motor home - fully equipped with a shower, small kitchen and dining area.

``I have dump trucks,'' Boyle said. ``But I figured I'd show the (Make-A-Wish) kids something different.''

Beth Tiffin of Moorpark said the spirit of giving Sunday made her want to contribute something every day.

``It's such a good feeling,'' said Tiffin, whose husband, Pete, owns T&T Trucking in Moorpark. ``Everyone should have the spirit of giving all year round.''

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3 Photos

Photo: (1--Ran in AV, Conejo and Simi editions--Color only in Conejo and Simi editions) Greg Evans, 12, decorates his father's truck as part of a benefit for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

(2--Ran in Conejo and Simi editions only) A convoy of trucks rumbles through Simi Valley in a drive to benefit a children's charity.

(3) Charles Boyle of Reseda decorates his truck in preparation for a 40-mile drive for charity.

John Lazar/Special to the Daily News