BURLINGTON (AP) - A private group set up to help Vermonters recover from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene has raised $6.6 million to help fill gaps in their recovery after they've exhausted private insurance or government disaster assistance programs.

The Vermont Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $3 million since the Aug. 28 anniversary of Irene hitting the state.

Fund Chairman David Coates says the fund has a goal of $10 million. The fund is financed by private donations.

On Monday Gov. Peter Shumlin urged people to continue making contributions.

The fund is designed to fill the gap that exists after survivors receive assistance from the federal government, private insurance or other grant programs. As of Nov. 16, the fund had provided $2.4 million in assistance to 223 cases.

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