SALVATION ARMY RAISES $600,000 TOWARD $1 MILLION BUILDING FUND

The Cape Girardeau Salvation Army has raised more than $600,000 towards its capital campaign goal of $1 million.

The committee raising money to construct a new building for the Salvation Army met Wednesday for a progress report.

Plans call for a new 17,200-square-foot building, which will be constructed near the site of the current Salvation Army building, which will be demolished once the new facility is built.

The planned facility consists of a large, multipurpose room, kitchen, nursery, chapel, library, classroom, fellowship room and administrative offices. It will be called the Salvation Army Worship and Community Center.

The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission passed a resolution opposing the Salvation Army's plans to demolish its building at 701 Good Hope, site of the former Farmers and Merchants Bank. But Salvation Army officials said Wednesday plans are proceeding.

Capt. Elmer Trapp, who heads the Salvation Army locally, said, "If it's God's will, this old building will come down and if it's God's will, the other one will be put up."

Rock Wilferth, co-chairman of the fundraising campaign with his wife, Judy, said, "I think people are generally very enthusiastic about the project.

"After the initial contacts we have made, we feel like we have a lot of potential gifts still coming in," he said. "We also feel that in-kind giving will be a big part of the campaign. But many businesses are kind of waiting to see what will be needed, like electrical supplies and furnishings.

"We still have $390,000 to go. But with the attitude of the board and this committee, I am 100 percent positive we will make our goal."

The drive is behind schedule. Initially, the committee had set June 30 as the target for raising $1 million.

"The new date is ASAP (as soon as possible)," Judy Wilferth said. "We can't begin until we have $1 million."

"There is great competition in the world in terms of the dollars," Rock Wilferth said. "There are so many worthwhile projects going on in this area. But I am confident we will meet our goal."

Thousands of people are helped each year by the Salvation Army. The agency provides food, prescriptions, clothing, rental and utility assistance, meals and lodgings, and other services.

At Christmas time, the Salvation Army increases its efforts and provides food, toys, clothing and gifts. Other programs, such as Easter and Thanksgiving dinners, summer day camp, Meals With Friends and disaster services are also sponsored by the Salvation Army.

Rock Wilferth said, "Captain (Trapp) and the board have such enthusiasm about the work they're doing. With that enthusiasm and with a new building, I believe their work will increase by three, four, even 10 fold."

Judy Wilferth said, "Once we saw the need, the need for a new building and the need for services, we feel more of a sense of urgency for this project. The needs here are so great and the needs in the community are so great.

"This is really a grassroots commitment. It's great if some big foundation comes through with a big contribution, but we can't count on that."

She added that small contributions also help build good will in the community as people "buy into" the project and the Salvation Army.

Those donating to the fund-raising effort may qualify for tax credits. For more information, call the Salvation Army at 335-7000.