Neighbors of Watertown Inc. is trying to raise $5,000 so a group of youngsters can come to the city and spruce up homes in need of repair.

"We have $1,400 so far," said A. Chris Calmer-Beasley, the agency's grant administrator.

World Changers, a mission program sponsored by the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, will bring 198 people from grades six through 12 and college to work on Watertown homes from July 4 to 11.

Money that Neighbors of Watertown is trying to raise will cover the cost of materials to do the projects, as well as food to feed the volunteer workers.

Ms. Calmer-Beasley said she knows there are tough economic times now, but any donation amount will go toward the minimum 11 projects that will be completed by the World Changers groups.

"Anything they can donate we'd appreciate," she said.

She'd like to see the entire $5,000 raised by month's end. If the money is raised, and the World Changers complete all 11 projects, the groups may work on additional projects.

"This year we've got a lot of painting projects and porch repairs," Ms. Calmer-Beasley said. "I think we even have a wheelchair ramp that's going to be built."

Neighbors of Watertown has ongoing owner-occupied rehabilitation programs. City residents who need just a little bit of work done on their homes will have the small projects completed by the World Changers.

"They come right off of our regular waiting list," Ms. Calmer-Beasley said.

A crew will go to New York State Zoo at Thompson Park to work, as it has in years past.

Tax-deductible donations to Neighbors of Watertown on behalf of World Changers can be submitted by check payable to Neighbors of Watertown. In the check's notation, people should write "World Changers."

Checks may be dropped off, or mailed to 112 Franklin St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601.