SALVATION ARMY RAISES $20,000 FOR ITS TREE OF LIGHTS

The Salvation Army Tree of Lights campaign has collected $20,860 toward its goal of $100,000 by Christmas Eve, said Bob Neff chairman of the drive.

Neff said that collections are running behind those received at the same time last year. "But the goal is still attainable by Christmas Eve. I just want to make people aware of where we are."

The Salvation Army has collected 647 applications for Christmas assistance. Applications are being taken each day from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-4 p.m. at 701 Good Hope through Dec. 13.

Capt. Elmer Trapp who heads the local Salvation Army said each year they assist about 3,500 people at Christmas with food, toys, clothing and nursing home visits.

The Salvation Army needs donations of food items and new toys to be distributed to needy families.

Anyone wanting to make a cash donation, may mail it to the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, P.O. Box 802, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.