The Salvation Army hopes this year's Red Shield Appeal will generate $250,000, Captain Max Barrett said yesterday.

About $50,000 was raised at Christmas and an additional quarter-million dollars, anticipated from the Appeal, will go to cover the year's cost of helping people.

The number of people in need continues to rise as does the cost of feeding them but the Salvation Army has a "very good relationship'' with several companies who assist with food, he said.

"Often times we don't have the money to do what we want to do,'' said Capt.

Barrett.

The cost of the Salvation Army food programme has dropped to about $18,000 from about $40,000 in 1991 because of contributions from local food companies, he added.

The Salvation Army presented representatives of Butterfield & Vallis, the BGA Group of Companies, Winter-Cookson Petty Ltd., Somers Distributors Ltd., and the Cake Shop Ltd. with plaques recognising the contributions these businesses have made to the food programme.

Every day between 65 and 120 people approach the Salvation Army for food. Last year, the Salvation Army needed $859,545 to pay for the community services it provides.

A Government grant covered $312,500, while revenue related to provision of goods and services was $247,286. Community donations were just under $300,000.

The number of meals served increased slightly to 53,680 last year from 52,755 in 1993.

But the number of meals rose 15 percent at the Harbour Light rehabilitation operation, to 14,360 last year from 12,490 in 1993.

Last year, the Salvation Army provided Christmas dinner for 1,245 people, up 159 from a year earlier.

"This is one of the finest launches I have had the privilege of attending. On the steps of City Hall, with the sound of a good brass band, what better launch could there be?'' said Lt. Colonel Clyde Moore, the Salvation Army's secretary for business administration, visiting from Toronto to mark the occasion.

"Love of God and the desire to help those in need'' motivated the Salvation Army, said Lt. Col. Moore, speaking at the Harbour Light Centre on King Street.

"The Salvation Army is the fluorescent hand of hope continually reaching into the areas of despair,'' said Lt. Col. Moore.

The organisation has survived and continues to help those in need because it is able to recognise "what has worked and what has not.'' "But we always face the shortfall. The demand is greater than what we are ale to make.'' The Salvation Army in Bermuda started operations about 90 years ago under the guidance of Captain Des Brisay, a Canadian officer living in New Brunswick.

Today, the Salvation Army has many functions in the community, said Mr.

Barrett.

The Salvation Army operates a Christmas hamper programme providing food to the needy as well as toys for children.

In the past few years, the toys have been made available through the Santas Anonymous programme.

Throughout the year, the Family Services department provides food, clothing, furniture and counselling to an increasing number of clients.

Recently, a food bank opened in St. George's with the co-operation of the East End Ministerial Association and plans are underway for a similar community service in the Somerset Corps.

The Army's League of Mercy, a group of volunteer workers, visits hospitals, nursing homes and prisons year round and at Christmas they deliver "sunshine bags.'' Senior citizens receive special monthly programmes such as lunches.

For more than 14 years, the Salvation Army has provided food and shelter to the Island's homeless. The emergency shelter programme is a co-operative effort between the Salvation Army and Government.

The addiction rehabilitation department, operating under the name Harbour Light, provides accommodation for 12 men desiring help with substance abuse recovery.

There are eight Salvation Army churches, or corps, in Bermuda.

APPEAL UNDERWAY -- Salvation Army Lt. Colonel Clyde Moore, secretary for business administration (left) and Captain Max Barrett raised the Red Shield Appeal flag at City Hall yesterday.