BELL-RINGERS BEGIN CAMPAIGN; SALVATION ARMY SETS 1997 GOAL OF $175,000

Return of Salvation Army bell-ringers and collection kettles outside 15 businesses last weekend signaled the opportunity to contribute to a cause that gives not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year.

"We want to hear the bells ring. It's the sound of Christmas," said Jim Govro, general manager of West Park Mall, where three kettles are placed.

"We want the ring, the friendly smile and the cheerful hello. It does a lot for a person's wellbeing," Govro said.

The bell-ringers and kettles are a part of the annual Tree of Lights campaign sponsored by the Salvation Army

Other kettles have been placed outside of Wal-Mart, Kmart, Hobby Lobby, K's Merchandise, Sam's Club, Food Giant, Schnucks Food & Drug and Target in Cape Girardeau. In Jackson, bell-ringers are present at both Wal-Mart and Country Mart.

Capt. Robert Gauthier, corps officer for the Cape Girardeau Salvation Army, announced Wednesday that $8,000 has been contributed to kettles so far, which is about average.

The total raised in the 1996 campaign was $160,303, Gauthier said. The goal for this year is $175,000.

The money raised through the Tree of Lights campaign goes not only for the Christmas assistance program funded by the Salvation Army, but also for numerous assistance projects throughout the year.

The organization assists needy families with rent, utility bills, food expenses, clothing costs, and prescription medicine bills. They also provide gasoline, and hotel and transportation vouchers for transients who need assistance, Gauthier said.

On Tuesday, the Salvation Army assisted in the annual Coats for Kids drive sponsored by Schnucks and Zimmer Radio Group. Over 1,250 coats were collected at Schnucks, with more coats still being picked up.

The Salvation Army will be responsible for distributing the coats through their facilities at 701 Good Hope. People needing coats may receive a coat free of charge at the Salvation Army by presenting a Social Security card.

Next Thursday the Salvation Army will serve its annual turkey dinner for individuals and families who might not otherwise enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

Volunteers from throughout the community will begin working at 7:30 in the morning preparing the traditional meal. They will serve the meal from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their facility on Good Hope. Other volunteers will deliver meals to people who cannot get out of their homes.

Last year, the Salvation Army served 660 meals, over 200 of which were deliveries.

The Salvation Army's Capt. Joyce Gauthier said that the organization would welcome donations of turkeys, hams, stuffing mixes and instant potatoes. Volunteers are also welcome, she said.

Although some of the volunteers are from civic organizations, most are individuals or families who donate their time to preparing and serving the meal before going home for their own Thanksgiving celebration.

"I'm amazed at how it works. The support from the community is wonderful," she said.

To donate food or time for the Thanksgiving meal or to volunteer as a bell-ringer contact the Salvation Army at 335-7000 or visit the offices at 701 Good Hope. Those wishing to apply for Christmas assistance should visit the Salvation Army Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.