SPRINGFIELD - An effort to repair the tower clock at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site at the Springfield Technical Community College campus has raised more than three-quarters of the $12,000 needed, according to the group leading the effort.

Frances M. Gagnon, vice president of the Springfield Armory Alliance, said a fundraising campaign to restore the clock has so far collected $8,500.

She said she hopes the remainder will be donated soon to allow work to begin shortly.

The Springfield Armory Alliance was formed as a private fundraising organization to support programs at the Armory beyond what is budgeted by the U.S. Parks Service.

The clock, installed in 1850, has been out of service for more than a decade. The alliance has been raising money to install a new clock mechanism since January.

Donations can be sent to the Springfield Armory Alliance, One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01105.

The alliance is planning a book and tag sale at the Annual Armory Day on Saturday, June 20. Anyone interested in donating items can call (413) 734-8551 or email Shera Cohen at shera_cohen@partner.nps.gov.