Local Pee Wee player Sadie Dorman smiles while enjoying a moment and her love of skating at the Saranac Lake Civic Center. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Civic Center received a $1,000 award through the Stewart’s Holiday Match Grant, an initiative by Stewart’s Shops that matches customer donations made during the holiday season.

The Civic Center extended its gratitude to the community for its generosity, which made this award possible. Stewart’s Holiday Match supports local organizations that benefit children under 18 by promoting health, wellness and positive development — goals that align closely with the Civic Center’s mission to provide year-round opportunities for physical activity, teamwork and community connection.

“For our family, the Civic Center has been such an important place,” said Gabby Dorman, a Saranac Lake resident. “My stepdaughter learned to skate here and is now a Pee Wee hockey goalie, and now my younger son is just getting started on the ice. Watching them grow and build confidence has been really special.”

As an independent nonprofit, grants such as this are vital in order to maintain accessible programming, namely for local youth.

“We are incredibly grateful to Stewart’s Shops and our local community,” said Marnie Cochran Crane of the Civic Center. “Their support allows us to keep our programs inclusive, affordable and accessible.”