SALVATION ARMY GIVES MUCH TO THE COMMUNITY

The Salvation Army remains one of the region's most ardent advocates for the needy. When people need food, the Army answers the call. When a transient family runs short on funds, the Army assists. When a lonely individual seeks companionship or spiritual help, the Army is there.

The effectiveness of the Salvation Army has paid off in terms of community support. People throughout the region have supported the army through fund-raising and volunteerism.

But as the Salvation Army's programs have flourished, the organization has outgrown its current facility. As a result, the Army will soon be turning to the community for a new challenge: A capital campaign to construct a new facility at the corner of Sprigg and Good Hope.

The need is genuine. Over the years, the Salvation Army's scope of assistance has grown to staggering numbers. Capt. Elmer Trapp estimates that the army now serves about 30,000 annually through a number of programs.

Year-round, the Salvation Army meets physical and spiritual needs of the region. It operates a food pantry, and provides money for shelter, gasoline, medicine and other needs. Each case is treated on an individual basis, and counseling often accompanies the assistance. The Salvation Army also distributes clothing, school supplies, and fans.

Each month, the Army operates a free "Meals With Friends" that provides a hot meal and companionship. During the holiday season, it reaches thousands of people through a Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas food basket program. In addition, the Salvation Army holds non-denominational church services every Sunday and Bible study classes every Wednesday.

As new services have been added over the years, the organization has experienced growing pains. It has operated from a donated former bank building the last seven years. While the location is desirable, they want to better serve people through improved facilities. The current facility has only 4,200 square feet of usable space. A scale model of a 17,200-square-foot building was unveiled Monday at the group's annual dinner. No timetable has been set for the campaign or construction. Over the past seven years, about $330,000 has been saved for the new building. But more financial backing will be needed.

The Salvation Army has a strong tradition of assistance in our region. The organization has been a good neighbor to Cape Girardeau and the region for more than 75 years.

Those who receive Salvation Army assistance are not always those who are transient or down and out. Many times they are people who find themselves in an unusual financial bind. The Salvation Army has taught us there's nothing wrong with needing help.

In the months ahead, the Salvation Army will need our help for construction of its new facility. Hopefully, the community will continue its caring tradition and give gratefully to the cause.