SALVATION ARMY TOPS $150,000 TREE GOAL

The Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign exceeded its fund-raising goal by approximately $3,000.

Charlie Neese, 1995 Tree of Lights chairman, announced Wednesday that the campaign netted $153,402.

"Two things make reaching the goal very exciting," Neese said. "One, this much money has never before been raised through the Tree of Lights here in Cape Girardeau, and much more importantly, that money is desperately needed and insures continuation of services for the 25,000 who will turn to the Army for help this year."

Donations will help needy families throughout Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area, said Capt. Robert Gauthier.

"I'm just very, very grateful that the folks of Cape Girardeau support the Salvation Army so well. Without that support we would not be able to do all of the things we do," Gauthier said.

The Salvation Army distributed Christmas food baskets to 948 families and toys to 772 needy children last month, in addition to its year-round programs aimed at aiding the needy.

While donations reached an all-time high, the Salvation Army's operating costs have also increased, he said.

"Our budget really has increased because of the increased youth activities and the cost of this building is higher than the cost of our previous building," Gauthier said. "At the least, the additional donations will let us keep things at the level they're at now, and hopefully we will be able to increase services besides the youth center programs."

The Salvation Army has added an afterschool recreational program and plans to add an educational program as well at its youth center.

A goal has not yet been officially set for the 1996 Tree of Lights campaign, he said. "I think we're going to keep at $150,000," he said. "I hope we would keep it there."