WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports'Sweet Dreams' project takes off second year in a row, with help from Pittsville students

'Sweet Dreams' project takes off second year in a row, with help from Pittsville students

by Natalie Sparacio

MARSHFIELD/PITTSVILLE (WAOW)--  We have a great charity project you can do with your loved ones this holiday season, that helps out little ones, right here in our area.

You may remember it from last year, it's called the "Sweet Dreams" project. This year, we're looking to help out kids across the state.

Gina Matthieson, of Marshfield, spearheads the project and collects pillowcase care packages for children who are taken from endangered environments.

 K-8 students in Pittsville have been collecting for the project, their school counselor, Paula Biseck says, "... "it teaches them compassion for others and empathy, and it teaches them citizenship to be able to give back to the community and make a difference... just a lot of different character building traits."

Last year, 1,500 care packages were collected. Gina's goal this year is to reach that number or exceed it. The pillowcases will be distributed to children throughout the entire state of Wisconsin.

 If you're interested in putting together pillowcase care packages, here's what you'll need:

- A pillowcase

- New pajamas for a boy or girl

- Something soft, like a blanket or a teddy bear.

 - On the outside put whether it's for a boy or a girl, and put the age.

The drop off is taking place December 12th from 10-6 at Cedar Creek mall and Wood ridge Mall in Marshfield.

Early drop off is available at:

- Marshfield: State Farm Insurance, 411 N. Central Avenue

- Wausau area: Cellcom (2 locations) 3804 Rib Mountain Drive or 2106 Schofield Avenue Street #8

- UIU in the NCTC building 1000 W. Campus Drive

 If you're interested in learning more or volunteering call 715-650-1056.

Online Reporter: Natalie Sparacio