The Salvation Army has exceeded its goal of $100,000 for the Tree of Lights campaign.

Bob Neff, chairman of this year's campaign, said, "We ended up with $101,500, and we're just overjoyed. The community really came through for us, and a whole lot of folks will receive help now through the Salvation Army."

Capt. Elmer Trapp with the Salvation Army said the money raised will be used to help people with rental assistance, utility assistance, food, clothing, school supplies, prescriptions and lodging for transients, among other activities.

Trapp said, "The real success for this effort was the strong leadership of Bob Neff."

The campaign was extended past Christmas Eve to Jan. 1.

"Extending the campaign a few days gave us time to make up the difference," said Neff.

The $100,000 goal is the highest ever achieved. "In 1989, our Tree of Lights goal was $65,000," Neff said. "In two years, we now raised $100,000. The community has really come through."

Neff added that the number of people who receive help through the Salvation Army has also increased over the past few years.

"There are more people out there who need the services," he said. "The campaign is over and it was a job well done. Meeting our goal enables us to put together the types of programs that really help the people who need the basics of food, clothing and shelter."

Neff said money raised during the Tree of Lights campaign is first used to fund Christmas programs. The remaining money goes into the general operating budget of the Salvation Army.

"The Tree of Lights does account for one-third of the year's budget. This has really given us a good start," he said.

Neff said local media newspaper, radio and television played a big role in the success of the campaign.

"Undoubtedly, one of the major reasons we were able to attain the goal was the support of the local media."