This is the season for giving, and patrons in the Miss-Lou continue to share their gifts with needy children through the annual Children’s Christmas Tree Fund.

Donations continue to be received for the annual benevolent project raises funds to provide Christmas gifts, toys and clothing to needy children during the holidays.

The gifts will be distributed on Christmas Eve morning, following the traditional Santa Claus Committee’s parade through Natchez.

The fund began in the early 1900s by then-Democrat publisher James Lambert, who raised money to help needy children. Today, volunteers manage the fund, including Katherine Killelea and the Santa Claus committee of local businessmen, and the project remains funded by generous community patrons.

Donations may be sent to The Democrat, P.O. Box 1447, Natchez,&160;Miss., 39121, or to Brown Barnett Dixon’s, 511-515 Main St., Natchez, Miss., 39120. All gifts received will be acknowledged in The Democrat.

Gifts received include:

— Bill and Yvonne Zimmerman, $25.

— In memory of Santa 1952, from J.H. Keyer, from his children and grandchildren, $25.

— In memory of A.C. Tipton Sr., from Jordan and Jacob Tipton, $25.

— In memory of A.D. McFarlane, $100.

— In loving memory of Bobby Irby, $25.

— Robert Costa, $20

— Anonymous, $50

— Caroline Stowers, $20

— Catherine Prince, 20.

— Mr. and Mrs.&160;Charles W. Campbell, $100.

— Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Riches, $30.

— In memory of Frank Byrne, from Santa and Mrs. Claus 1986, $100.

— In memory of Frank P. Byrne, Ann Blair Byrne, T.J. Sullivan,&160;W.J. Byrne Sr., Nell Fatheree Byrne, — W.J. Byrne Jr., Jack P. Byrne and Bryan Edwin Byrne, love Audrey Lynne, $500.