“The community has again rallied to the cause,”&160;said Stewpot Director Shirley Wheatley. “It’s greatly appreciated.”

The Christmas season is the biggest fund-raising time for the two charities.

In November, Wheatley said the Stewpot, which serves about 165 meals every day of the year, was low on many items but especially canned food.

Thanks to this month’s donations things are looking better.

The community set out bins to collect canned food at the McRae’s Department Store Charity Sale, the Natchez Christmas Parade and Sunday night’s caroling in Memorial Park.

These events have helped replenish the Stewpot’s stock.

“We just appreciate everyone keeping us in their mind,” Wheatley said.

However, there really is no end to seeking donations.

The&160;Stewpot now has enough supplies to last into spring but usually supplies get very low in July and August, Wheatley said.

The Stewpot prefers for canned food items to be donated in large-sized cans because of the large quantity of food it prepares each day.

The local chapter of the Salvation Army is getting closer to its Christmas fund-raising goal of $50,000.

“I’m scared we aren’t going to reach our goal but we are going to come close &045; so that’s good,” said Lt. Bobby Westmoreland.

The Salvation Army raises much of its money through the money kettles it places at local stores.

It depends on this money to feed numerous families in the area and to continue its services well into the next year.