'Dreams for Teens' project seeks funds

For more than 20 years, Light Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sidney has been reaching out to local teens that may need financial assistance during Christmastime.

The local mission project “Dreams for Teens” originated when former Sidney teachers in the congregation saw the need to help older kids in the community. The Cheyenne County Ladies Chamber of Commerce also helped drive the project before dissolving membership in February.

Sidney students in seventh to 12th grade that qualify for the assistance will each receive Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce gift certificates so they can shop at local businesses.

According to project coordinator Sandy White, the number of teens who need help this holiday season has jumped from 35 last year to more than 45 this year.

“Each certificate will have their name on it, and we deliver them to their houses typically the week before Christmas so they have time to use it,” she said. “We don’t put restrictions on how they spend it, but many teens use it buy gifts for their families.”

Donations can be made at Light Memorial Presbyterian Church, located at 1345 Linden St. in Sidney, until Dec. 13.

“Anyone can make cash donations for the certificates,” White said. “Each year it varies how much we receive to be split amongst the teens.”