The season of giving and receiving gifts is near. For many, the season also is one of responding to

requests for charitable donations. There are the familiar ones, angel trees, usually sponsored by Junior Auxiliary and Salvation Army. There is the annual Christmas Tree fund that has a century-long history in Natchez of helping needy children to have Christmas gifts. And the Natchez police have an organization that sponsors children, who, with help from the community, get to have small shopping sprees.

Donors who have pet charities such as the well-known local ones probably already know which agencies and organizations will get their money. Others &045; particularly those who may be new to the area or to the state &045; may wonder how to choose and whether a solicitation comes from a legitimate organization.

The Mississippi Secretary of State Office has made it easier to make choices about charities by spending years fine-tuning its efforts &045;&045; rooting out bogus groups and promoting the legitimate charities that provide full disclosure of expenses and income.

All charitable organizations and fund raisers who solicit money in Mississippi are required to register with the Secretary of State’s office, where investigation of complaints against charities and any possible violations also are undertaken.

For the first time, the Secretary of State’s office has published &uot;Report on Charitable Organizations in Mississippi.&uot; This comprehensive report is a good tool for those who receive numerous requests for donations and want to give but want to be sure about the charity.

On the Internet, go to the site www.sos.state.ms.us/regenf/charities/charities.asp. For those who want to call the state office, the toll-free number is 1-888-236-6167. Give generously &045;&045; and wisely.