Sun Starting to Set on Dreams Of a Better Summer

James and Dorothy Young of Lanham sent this with their $120 gift from part of their federal stimulus check:

"During a rough time in our lives, all four of our kids were selected to attend Moss Hollow Camp years ago. What a break for us. What a break for the kids!! So what better way . . . to help another family in need."

Edith Chase of the District sent a $200 gift in memory of her husband, Marston Stann Chase, who died in January. Mrs. Chase said that her husband had been an avid fan of the outdoors and that the couple had always contributed to our campaign.

"I'm sure that Stann is pleased to know that I'm continuing to do so. Thank you for your work in helping kids enjoy nature," she wrote.

Last, but not least, the counselors and staff of Moss Hollow are putting together a gift. They are hoping to raise enough -- $700 -- to send a kid to camp next summer.

There's Still Time to Help

You can send a check or money order payable to "Send a Kid to Camp" to P.O. Box 96237, Washington, D.C. 20090-6237. To contribute online, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/camp. You will see a place to make a donation. Click there.

To give via MasterCard or Visa by phone, call 202-334-5100 and follow the instructions on our taped message.

You can also bid on five box-seat tickets, worth $95 apiece, to the sold-out production of "The Lion King" at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Kennedy Center. Family and Child Services of Washington is holding a silent auction for the tickets, and the proceeds will go to Send a Kid to Camp. Bids will be accepted until midnight July 25.

To place your bid, go to http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=26207 and follow the instructions. Questions about the auction? Call Family and Child Services at 202-289-1510.

And don't forget that McCormick & Schmick's is providing a certificate for lunch for two to anyone who gives Send a Kid to Camp $250 or more. Donors of $500 or more will get a certificate for dinner for two at the seafood restaurant chain.