SALVATION ARMY IS MOVING CLOSER TO TREE OF LIGHTS GOAL

The Salvation Army has raised $85,000 toward its Tree of Lights campaign goal of $115,000.

Capt. Elmer Trapp of the Salvation Army said it's possible the campaign goal could be reached by Christmas Eve.

Area residents have been generous in their giving, he said Friday. "We just get good support in this area."

Of the $115,000 campaign goal, about $45,000 is expected to come through the Salvation Army kettles.

The red kettles are a common sight this time of year. "It's kind of a tradition," said Trapp. "It's amazing the number of children, kids in third or fourth grade, that bring their piggy banks."

He said: "When people think of Christmas, they think of the Salvation Army. It's just a part of Christmas."

Said Trapp, "People just recognize that we provide a lot of people services."

The Tree of Lights campaign annually raises about a third of the Salvation Army's budget.

The campaign has grown over the years. In 1988, the Salvation Army's goal was to raise $65,000, $50,000 less than this year's goal.

Last year the goal was $105,000 and about $108,000 was actually raised, said Trapp.

This year 900 families or nearly 3,000 individuals have signed up for Christmas assistance. Trapp said that's 200 more families than last year and the largest number of people to sign up for assistance in the history of the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau.

Toys are scheduled to be distributed to needy children on Tuesday and Christmas food baskets on Thursday.

Volunteers have visited and handed out gifts to nursing home residents. In all, about 1,200 nursing home residents have received the holiday visits.

Through all of its efforts, the Salvation Army will assist about 5,000 people during the Christmas season, Trapp said.

The Salvation Army, he said, still needs canned and non-perishable food for needy families and new toys for children. Financial donations can be sent to Box 802, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.