The Dream Factory, noted for making dreams a reality for critically or chronically ill children, is opening a chapter in Lawrence.

“There have been a lot of families from Lawrence and Topeka apply for dreams to the Kansas City chapter,” said Tareena Evans, a Lawrence volunteer with the organization whose own son saw his wish granted.

The chapter officially launches today in Lawrence. An office site is still being sought and will be staffed by volunteers.

“Right now, we’re looking for a church that would allow us to use the building once a month for meetings,” Evans said. “Otherwise, each volunteer typically works from home and works in their spare time.”

The Dream Factory has a Greater Kansas City area chapter and other chapters in a few Missouri towns. It is a nonprofit organization started in 1980 in Hopkinsville, Ky.

The Dream Factory will sponsor a lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at Langston Hughes School, 1101 George Williams Way. Adults and children are welcome. There will be speakers, videos and games for children. The local chapter is seeking volunteers, as well as referrals about children who can be helped by Dream Factory. Children must be between the ages of 3 and 18.

Volunteers visit children and their families and in hospitals and in homes. Dreams granted have included trips to Disneyland.

Once the chapter in Lawrence is established, Evans said, she will work on opening a chapter in Topeka.

For more information about the Dream Factory, go to www.kcdream.org.