WESTPORT — Donations to support summer camperships and milestone celebrations for local income-eligible families are being solicited by the town’s Department of Human Services.

The “Campership Program” addresses a growing demand for summer childcare, and with an average $5,000 cost for a 12-week program, DHS officials say the expense poses a challenge for some of Westport’s working families.

Summer camp, in addition to providing child supervision, gives “parents — especially single-parent households — reliable, affordable care during summer break [and] makes it possible to keep their jobs and put food on the table,” Annette D’Augelli, the department’s youth and family specialist, said in a statement announcing the fundraising campaign.

The “Ceremonies & Celebrations Fund” provides gift cards to income-eligible graduates in eighth and 12th grades to celebrate the milestones as meaningfully as their peers.

Donations may be used to purchase a graduation outfit, pay for a celebratory meal or cover costs that “allow families to honor their children’s hard work and milestones with dignity,” officials said.

“We want every child to feel seen, celebrated and supported — regardless of their financial circumstances,” Elaine Daignault, the DHS director, said in the statement.

Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to Westport Human Services, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880.

To request assistance or for questions about the programs, contact D’Augelli at 203-341-1050 or adaugelli@westportct.gov.