SALVATION ARMY EVEN BUSIER THAN USUAL

December traditionally is the Salvation Army's busiest time of year, and activity this month at its Cape Girardeau headquarters will be stepped up even more with construction of a new building.

The annual Tree of Lights fund-raising campaign is also under way. Applications are being accepted for the Christmas Basket program and today coats collected Tuesday will be distributed to needy individuals.

"The weather has really been great," said Salvation Army Capt. Elmer Trapp. "Since Oct. 20, when we had the ground-breaking ceremony and Kiefner Brothers started work, they haven't missed a day. It appears things are proceeding right on schedule."

All of the footings and foundations have been poured. Plumbers and electricians are on site this week, and Trapp said floors may go in before the end of the week.

The construction deadline is Sept. 14, 1994, said Trapp.

"It's really something to look out at what used to be a parking lot and know it's going to be a building," Trapp said.

The Tree of Lights campaign too is right on schedule, said Trapp. The goal is $115,000 to be raised by Christmas Eve.

Money raised is used to fund Christmas assistance and for Salvation Army programs throughout the year.

"We are right on target where we need to be at this point in the campaign," he said. "But giving needs to be this intense; it's kind of like we have got the gas pedal to the floor but we can't let up."

Applications for Christmas assistance will be taken through Dec. 15 at the Salvation Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope, weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m.

Coats collected through the annual drive, held in cooperation with KZIM radio and Schnucks, will be distributed today from 1-4 p.m. Those in need of a coat must bring identification and Social Security cards, said Trapp.

Donations to the Tree of Lights campaign can be mailed to Tree of Lights, Salvation Army, Box 802, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0802.

Donations of canned and non-perishable food items and new toys are also needed, he said.