St. Patrick’s Day is still six months away, but a Lawrence group already is thinking green.

The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is accepting applications from area charities that want to benefit from the March festivities and fundraisers.

“We especially like for charities that serve young people,” said Roger Browning, a committee member. “That doesn’t have to be their total cause, but in some fashion they need to serve young people.”

Last year, the committee distributed $52,500 among: Van Go Inc., Douglas County CASA, Lawrence Family Promise, the Lawrence Humane Society and The Willow Domestic Violence Center.

Any charity wishing to be considered can fill out an application at www.lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com by 5 p.m. Oct. 1.

Fund-raising events leading up to the March 17 downtown parade include a charity auction Feb. 19, the Shamrock Shuffle 5K March 5, plus a motorcycle run and trivia night.

“We manage to turn a one-day holiday into a year-round celebration for our community,” Browning said. “We’ve been at it since 1988, and I think it’s pretty much a success story.”