WATERBURY – The Greater Waterbury Campership Fund raised more than $3,100 last week to give underprivileged boys and girls from the area experiences at summer camp.

The fund still needs almost $110,000 to send an expected 470 eligible children to camp this summer.

Individuals can sponsor a camper for $75 a day or $265 a week for day camp and $795 a week for overnight camp. Special-needs camps can cost as much as $1,000 a week.

The fund has received $10,405 this year, every penny of which will go to sending youngsters to camp. In 2005, the fund raised $93,857 and sent 403 children to camp.

The fund is sponsored by the Republican-American and administered by the United Way of Greater Waterbury. It serves children who live in Bethlehem, Cheshire, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott and Woodbury.

Applications will be available after March 27 at the United Way and the Waterbury YMCA. Eligibility is determined by residence and financial need.

Contributions may be made in memory of a loved one, in thanks or appreciation, or as a civic project or workplace initiative. All donations are tax deductible. The more money raised before summer begins, the more children can attend camp.

Donations of any amount will be acknowledged in the Republican-American, unless the donor wishes otherwise. They can be mailed to Michael Mucciacciaro, treasurer, Greater Waterbury Campership Fund, c/o the Republican-American, P.O. Box 2090, Waterbury 06722.