POTSDAM -- The Dick Murphy/Dalton Guyette Memorial Youth Project is planning a number of opportunities during March to raise funds to support its scholarship program.

The project searches for children with families in financial need and awards scholarships enabling these children to participate in various activities throughout the community.

“Children in our community have a variety of special talents and interests, however, some to not have the opportunity to pursue what they are passionate about. We try to help make that possible” said Amy Murphy, founder of the organization.

Originating in Potsdam 14 years ago, the project now serves children in 11 surrounding communities with the hope of expanding throughout St. Lawrence County. Scholarships are awarded to an average of 140 children each year, said a press release from the organization.

In addition to athletic scholarships, opportunities are also provided to take advanced placement classes, receive lessons in art and music and participate in numerous other academic enrichment programs.

“We’ve had a lot of great success stories, which makes the Project very worthwhile” said Mrs. Murphy.

To this point, the program has relied on sponsorships from local businesses and donations of time, talent and treasure from community members to support our youth.

As spring approaches, the Murphy/Guyette Memorial Youth Project is extremely low on funds and needs the community’s help, a press release from the organization said.

The group seeks to raise $10,000 for activities in 2018 to ensure children in grades K-12 have the opportunity to benefit from a scholarship.

Everything kicks off with the annual Zumbathon on Saturday, March 3, from 6-9 p.m. at the Lawrence Avenue elementary school. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., participants will receive a shirt with their $20 registration fee.

Next is Buck Up for Kids night at the Potsdam McDonald’s on Wednesday, March 7. A portion of the evenings proceeds will be donated to support the Memorial Youth Projects efforts.

Barstow Motors will donate $10 for every test drive during March, Potsdam Food Co-op will offer the opportunity to round up customer change to support the cause, and donations of $1, $2 and $5 can be made during your purchase at Potsdam IGA.

More information on all of the events is available on the groups Facebook page at www.facebook.com/memorialyouthproject.

Donations can also be made directly on the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/buckupforkids.

A donation of a dollar, $5, $10 or other amounts will make a significant impact in the life of a very deserving child, said press release from the organization.

To learn more about helping a local student receive a scholarship from the Memorial Youth Project contact Amy Murphy at 315-261-2668.