TREE OF LIGHTS DRIVE REMAINS SHORT OF GOAL

The Salvation Army Tree of Lights campaign needs an additional $14,000 to make the annual fund drive's goal.

The goal is $200,000, and $186,000 has been raised.

"We try to get it all wrapped up by Jan. 15," said Maj. Bob Gauthier of the Salvation Army. "We do have another mail appeal out requesting assistance, and individuals can always drop a contribution in the mail."

Donations to the Tree of Lights campaign make up about one-third of the Salvation Army's annual budget. The campaign helped provide Christmas baskets to needy families and toys to children at Christmas, but it also funds programs at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, throughout the year.

The Salvation Army offers clothing and rent assistance along with emergency aid to families and individuals in need. For example, a number of people have asked for help during the recent cold weather.

Over the past year the local Salvation Army has seen an increase in the number of people requesting assistance.

"We've seen at least 1,000 more cases," Gauthier said.

January is traditionally a quiet time for the Salvation Army following the holiday rush. But Gauthier said the Army was prepared to supply emergency shelter during the ice storm if the need had arisen.

"We have a couple generators and could have supplied some heat to our gymnasium," he said. "Our cooking facilities are all gas. We could have served hot meals. That is in the back of our minds all the time."

Mail donations to the Salvation Army Tree of Lights campaign, P.O. Box 802, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701, or call (573) 335-7000.