DERRY, N.H. - It looks like the Met might be saved after all, thanks to a community-driven pledge campaign that has raised nearly $50,000.

The landlord for The Children's Metamorphosis said he approved a plan Thursday by the nonprofit museum aimed at keeping it open. The downtown Derry museum was supposed to be evicted Aug. 31 for failure to pay nearly $30,000 in rent. But enough money has been raised that it appears that will no longer happen.

"We have no reason to lock the doors on them on the 31st," said Joel Olbricht, president of Derry Economic Development Corp. The building housing the Met is owned by Depot Square Holdings Inc., the for-profit arm of the DEDC.

Tracy LaPlante, the museum's director, stopped short of saying the Met will definitely be able to stay open, but she said that a meeting with the landlords Thursday went well. She said she is cautiously optimistic.

"I can only say we're hoping to announce good news on the 31st," she said.

The museum leases a 4,200-square-foot space at 6 W. Broadway from Depot Square Holdings Inc. It moved to Derry in 2002 after spending 11 years in Londonderry.

In July, the museum announced Depot Square Holdings Inc. had started the legal eviction process.

Shortly afterward, public outcry over the closing helped start a "Save the Met" campaign, which has almost raised $50,000. One donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged $20,000.

Many organizations and individuals have offered to help with money raised through small ventures like lemonade stands, yard sales, and other fundraisers, or larger financial commitments like a Derry Village Rotary Club donation, the Derry MOMS Club support, and also a $10,000 a year, three-year commitment from Stonyfield Yogurt. This week, pledges totaled upward of $45,000 toward the $50,000 goal.

"The continuing flow of support and new heartfelt pledges make a dramatic statement about the community's feelings toward the Met," Paul Lindemann, a member of the museum's board of directors, said.

Londonderry psychologist Suzanne Kuchel included her feelings on the Met Web site and said she has always been impressed with the creative and innovative ways in which the Met strives to help children develop socially, and emotionally.

"There aren't many downtown visitor destinations in any community that have such a positive impact on the growth of their patrons," she said.

LaPlante said the museum also is working to increase membership on its board of directors and get corporate sponsors in order to keep the museum open even after the pledge drive is finished. She had said previously that declining corporate sponsorships and a lack of exhibit support played a key role in the museum's near demise.

How can I help?

A number of Save the Met events are planned into September, and the projected earnings will be included in the total goal for the campaign. The following are scheduled events for the Save the Met campaign:

Sept. 4 to 7 - "Met U-Time." Drop off children at the Met for fun while parents go back-to-school shopping or just take some time off. Cost is just $10 per child, per daily sessions, which run 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday, and also 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday night. Recommended age is 18 months to 8 years of age and each session is limited to 10 children.

Sept. 8 - A "Save the Met" yard sale is hosted by Dawn Houle and is at 954 Bodwell Road, Manchester. Sale runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the rain date is Sept. 9.

Sept. 15 - A "Computer Smash" at Duncan's European Automotive, 33 Londonderry Road, Londonderry. Take out digital frustrations with a sledgehammer and smash up a keyboard, mouse, or monitor from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Small fee goes to support Save the Met campaign. Call 434-5796.

Sept. 15 - A "Kick-a-Thon" at Tim Barchard's Professional Martial Arts Academy in Derry. Martial arts students will kick up a storm and raise pledge money for the Met.

Sept. 15 - Derryfest celebration in MacGregor Park and the Met plans a Duck Drop event to support the Met's future.

For more information on the Save the Met campaign, or to make a donation, contact the Met at 425-2560 or visit online at www.savethemet.org.