SALVATION ARMY STILL NEES SOME HELP TO MEET GOAL

Traditionally, the Salvation Army generates most of its annual budget during the Christmas season. It didn't make its goal for 2000, but that doesn't mean it still can't.

An unusually cold December is being blamed for a shortage in contributions to last year's local drive. The Army had set a goal of $220,000 and has received $191,960 to date.

A big boost just came recently in the form of a $2,000 check from Schnucks Food and Drug employees to the Army's Tree of Lights fund. That fund was some $23,000 short of goal.

The long, cold winter has made it tough on a lot of families, and the Salvation Army has provided assistance already to more than 1,000 families for food, clothing and other needs, in addition to providing coats and toys to almost 1,000 children. High energy costs for heating has created an even greater need for more money.

Cape Girardeans are good about coming through when the need arises. Now is the time. Although Christmas is long past, a few more donations could help meet the Salvation Army's 2000 goal.