Salvation Army announces fundraising goal

Bells near red kettles began ringing throughout Southeast Missouri on Monday as the Salvation Army of Cape Girardeau kicked off its annual fundraising efforts, which organizers hope will allow the agency to provide services in the community for the next year.

This year's fundraising goal is $320,000 after $324,000 was raised last year, according to Maj. Ben Stillwell.

The agency's primary method of raising funds is to use volunteer bell ringers with donation buckets at retail locations throughout the area. Locations this year include Walmart in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Perryville; Save-A-Lot in Cape Girardeau and Jackson; Sam's Club, Sears Grand, Dollar General, Schnucks, Food Giant, West Park Mall, Macy's, J.C. Penney, Walgreens, Big Lots, Kmart and Hobby Lobby in Cape Girardeau; and Buchheit's in Jackson. Donations also can be made at the Salvation Army at 701 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau. Not all locations now have donation buckets, but they will by the day after Thanksgiving.

Stillwell said donations received go toward services provided locally during the holiday season and through the course of the year. In November and December, services are concentrated on providing meals for the needy and other assistance, while supplementing the efforts of toy collection drives as needed. Short-term disaster assistance and other services also are provided year-round by the agency, as is relief assistance following large natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, which Stillwell said have left the agency with a great need for funding in the past several years.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

701 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.