SALVATION ARMY TREE OF LIGHTS CAMPAIGN SHORT OF GOAL

Donations to the Salvation Army's Tree of Lights campaign are down, but Salvation Army officials are confident the community will come through with support.

The goal for this year's campaign is $150,000. So far, $38,733 has been raised toward that goal, according to Charlie Neese, chairman of the 1995 campaign.

Overall, that's down about $4,900 from collections at this time last year, said Salvation Army Capt. Robert Gauthier.

"The kettle drive itself is doing really well," he said. "That's up about $2,100. The mail appeal, that's down considerably from last year."

Collection kettles have been set up at several stores throughout the area, Gauthier said.

So far, more than 500 applications for food baskets and other assistance have been received.

"That number is expected to rise to more than 800 by the Dec. 8 (application) deadline," Neese said. "Because of the caring and compassion of the people who work and volunteer at the Salvation Army, families that would otherwise go to bed hungry on Christmas won't have to worry about their holiday meal."

Food baskets will be distributed on Dec. 22. The Salvation Army will also have a toy distribution for needy children on another date, Gauthier said.

Volunteers are needed to help with both distributions and to man the collection kettles around town, he said.

To make a donation or volunteer, or to find out how to receive assistance, call the Salvation Army at 335-7000.

Proceeds from the Tree of Lights campaign will be allocated first toward Christmas assistance programs and then toward the Salvation Army's year-round assistance programs, Gauthier said.