TREE OF LIGHTS CAMPAIGN NEEDS BIG BOOST HERE

With only eight days left before Christmas, the Cape Girardeau Salvation Army reported Tuesday that the annual Tree of Lights campaign is running way behind last year's effort.

Captain Robert Gauthier of the Salvation Army said Tuesday that only $97,000 has been collected this year as compared to $107,788 collected last year at this time.

Although the Salvation Army is most visible during the holiday season with the presence of bellringers at shopping centers, Gauthier reminded the community that the assistance provided by the Army is not limited to Christmastime, but continues throughout the year.

Locally, the Salvation Army provides families and individuals with food, clothing, shelter, utilities, prescription drugs and furniture. Once a month they feed nearly 200 people a hot evening meal.

Structured recreation and social development programs are offered free of charge to children and adults through the Salvation Army. The Army also provides gasoline and hotel and transportation vouchers for transients who need assistance.

All of the programs are funded by the gifts they receive through their Tree of Lights campaign.

The goal for the 1997 Tree of Lights campaign is $175,000. Donations may be made at the familiar Red Kettle, mailed to P. O. Box 802, or brought into the offices at 701 Good Hope in Cape Girardeau, Gauthier said.

"With the money we're raising, we hope to change people's lives," Gauthier said.