OFFICIALS CONFIDENT CAMPAIGN GOAL WILL BE MET

The Salvation Army needs to raise $35,000 by Christmas Eve to make its Tree of Lights campaign goal. Capt. Elmer Trapp is confident the money will come.

"We have always made our goal," Trapp said. "I see no reason why we shouldn't make it this year."

A few times, the Salvation Army has extended its Tree of Lights campaign to the end of the year to make its goal. Trapp said that might happen again this year if donations arrive slowly.

Funds are raised by bell-ringers who collect money in the familiar red kettles and through a direct-mail appeal.

So far, the campaign has raised $90,000 toward its goal of $125,000.

Trapp said contributions are coming in slower than last year. He attributes the difference to last year's flood-related giving.

Money collected during the Tree of Lights campaign is used at Christmas. Holiday meals and toys will be distributed Friday to needy families.

Tree of Lights money also makes up a third of the Salvation Army's annual budget.

The money will be used throughout 1995 for emergency assistance, food programs and social service programs for children, adults and senior citizens.

While fund raising continues this week, Salvation Army volunteers also are visiting nursing home, sorting canned goods and preparing for Friday's distribution.

Carol Keeler is making a repeat performance this year as Tree of Lights chairman.

She said the campaign gives people a chance to help their neighbors.

"We have a consistent number of people who are without," Keeler said. "The only people who will help them are their neighbors, and that means us, all of us."

Like Trapp, Keeler expressed confidence that the goal will be met.

"We have got to donate, each and every one of us," she said, "to help the thousands of people the Salvation Army assists throughout the year."

Keeler said donating to the kettles is the easiest way to help the Tree of Lights campaign. "The kettles are so important," she said. "If people will just give the change they have after buying Christmas presents."

Contributions also can be mailed to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 802, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0802.