While shoppers bustled in and out of the mall entrance, about 40 people gathered Wednesday afternoon to watch as the colored lights wrapped around an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree were lit.

The lighting ceremony was the official kickoff for the Salvation Army's annual Tree of Lights fund-raising campaign.

The campaign goal this year is $200,000, which is about $13,000 more than in years past, said Maj. Bob Gauthier of the Salvation Army.

But the increased funds are needed to provide Christmas baskets and toys to many area families. Any remaining money helps the Salvation Army assistance programs throughout the year.

"The Salvation Army gives quality to our town," said Dennis Marchi, chairman of the 1998 Tree of Lights campaign. "Without it here, a lot of people wouldn't get food or clothing. There is a big void that the Salvation Army fills."

Marchi said because of the programs and community benevolence the Salvation Army provides, it didn't take him long to agree to serving as campaign chairman.

While the tree lighting is the official kickoff, the kettle campaign is the bulk of the fund-raising program.

Nearly 50,000 people will be helped throughout the year from money raised by the kettle campaign, Gauthier said. The funds provide hot meals for the Meals with Friends program during the last week of every month, coats for children, holiday toys and food baskets, and recreation programs at the center at 701 Good Hope.

Volunteers and paid workers help to staff the kettles at area retail stores and shopping areas.

During the nearly 30-minute lighting ceremony, the volunteer at the kettle in front of the Westfield shopping town at West Park Mall remained silent. But a brass quintet from the Cape Municipal Band and a choir ensemble from the Salvation Army performed Christmas songs.

Donations can be mailed to the Salvation Army at P.O. Box 802; Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701, or call 335-7000 for information.