SALVATION ARMY KICKS OFF ANNUAL TREE OF LIGHTS DRIVE

It was cold outside West Park Mall Tuesday night. Shoppers shivered as they rushed out of the warm shops and into waiting cars.

But many Cape Girardeau residents deal with cold and other unpleasant sensations all winter long. They don't have money to pay utility bills, cook traditional Christmas feasts or buy prescription medications.

The Salvation Army wants to change that with its annual Tree of Lights campaign. During a brief tree-lighting ceremony outside the mall, church workers and others reminded passers-by about the campaign.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Al Spradling III urged everyone to donate what they can.

"As we go into the holiday season, most of us consider it a time of joy and happiness," he said. "However, due to various things that have happened in their lives, not everyone in the community can be happy. We're asking for the community's support to help children and older people enjoy this time in their lives."

The actual Tree of Lights will stand in front of West Park Mall to remind people to give. This is the second year it has been at the mall.

The Salvation Army wants to raise $160,000 during this year's campaign, $10,000 more than was collected last year.

Years ago the organization lit strings of lights as donations came in. Today, all the lights were turned on at once.

"We light the tree and then have faith that the people will meet our needs," Capt. Robert Gauthier said.

Salvation Army bellringers started working in mid-November, tending kettles outside numerous area shopping centers. They have collected $15,000 so far.

Some of the money is used at Christmas to pay for food and toys. The rest is used throughout the year for emergency housing, prescription medicine, utility bills and a variety of programs offered by the Salvation Army.

All the funds stay in the Cape Girardeau area.