TREE OF LIGHTS CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN

Red kettles posted at strategic sites throughout the community are a sure sign Christmas is approaching, and the Salvation Army is readying its annual Tree of Lights campaign.

The official kick off and tree lighting ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at West Park Mall.

Musicians from the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band will perform. Dennis Marchi, chairman of this year's campaign, will help light the Christmas tree.

This year's goal is $200,000. "That is a goal I believe is very reachable," said Maj. Bob Gauthier with the Salvation Army. "The folks of the Cape area have always responded. We take care of people's needs."

Money raised will be used to provide food and toys at Christmas. It is also used throughout the year to help people with food, clothing, furniture, rent, utilities and medication.

Gauthier anticipates that numbers of needy families requesting help will be a little larger than last year.

In the first four days of applications, more than 250 people have requested help. "We think that number is going to increase tremendously," he said.

The Salvation Army offers many ways to participating in the campaign.

"The kettles are already out," Gauthier said. "You may have seen them. They are doing almost as well as last year, down just a little bit."

He blamed the slower start on the warm weather. "It doesn't seem like Christmas yet when it's 50 degrees outside," he said.

Cash donations can be dropped in the red kettles or mailed to the Salvation Army at P.O. Box 802, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

The Christmas food baskets include turkeys, a big expense to the program. Gauthier said donations of frozen turkeys are appreciated.

In addition, churches and groups might organize canned food drives.

On Tuesday, the annual Coats for Kids drive will take place at Schnucks. New or used coats and sweaters can be donated.

"We run out of freezer space each year as we prepare for the holidays," Gauthier said, adding that a loan of a refrigerated truck during the next month would be very helpful.

The Salvation Army will distribute toys Dec. 21. Food baskets will be given on Dec. 23.

Those receiving assistance must fill out applications ahead of time at the Salvation Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope.

While the Salvation Army begins the Christmas campaign, it is also putting final touches on the annual community Thanksgiving meal, which will be served Thursday.

Six to eight turkeys a day are being baked in preparation for the meal. Gauthier said additional turkeys are needed.

This year, no hams have been donated. Traditionally, ham is part of the Thanksgiving meal.

"We would like to have both donated," he said.

The Salvation Army could use a food warmer, a big oven used to keep food warm.

And volunteers are always needed.

"On Thanksgiving we need people to help deliver meals and to clean up after the meal," Gauthier said.

For additional information, call (573) 335-7000.