To the editor:

So many people in this community worked and gave to make it a happier Christmas for their less fortunate neighbors that any attempt to list them might result in some embarrassing omissions:

First, the media who do such an excellent job telling the public about the work of the Salvation Army. There were men and women members of service clubs who served long hours manning our Christmas kettles and the individuals who also rang.

The members of the Salvation Army's Christmas Committee under the chairmanship of Dennis Marchi.

The various stores and businesses that allow the Salvation Army to place its familiar red kettles.

Finally, there were the thousands of contributors who gave a total of $201,576 and gifts in kind so that many who might otherwise have been forgotten shared in the joy of Christmas.

Your compassion will enable us in the future to continue feeding the hungry, housing the homeless and caring for those whose lives are in trauma, and it is on their behalf that we express these thanks.

MAJ. R.M. GAUTHIER

The Salvation Army

Cape Girardeau