Just one week from today, children around the Miss-Lou will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of the man in the big red suit.

But as we all look forward to the arrival of Christmas, there is still plenty of time to help make Christmas &045; and all of 2005 &045; brighter for many people in our community.

A variety of local organizations and agencies need our help now and throughout the year. If you cannot think of a gift for the person who has everything, consider giving a gift in his or her name to someone who has very little.

Some of the organizations that need our help now include:

4The Children’s Christmas Tree Fund. This annual Natchez tradition provides gifts for needy children. Donations can be made via The Democrat, P.O. Box 1447, Natchez, Miss., 39121, or to Killelea at Brown Barnett Dixons, 511-515 Main St., Natchez, Miss., 39120

4The Concordia Parish Christmas Fund. This fund distributes toys, clothing and groceries to more than 200 needy families in Ferriday, Vidalia and Clayton. Donations can be made to any branch of Concordia Bank, Delta Bank or Tensas State Bank.

4United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou. United Way is wrapping up its 2005 fund-raising drive this month, but there is still time to send a check or make a pledge for the coming year. The organization raises funds for many agencies throughout the Miss-Lou that serve children and adults. Call 442-1081 for information.

4Natchez Stewpot. This organization feeds the hungry every day. Mail checks to The Natchez Community Stewpot Organization, PO Box 298, Natchez, MS, 39120.

This is just a sampling of the many organizations in our area that need help this season and throughout the year. We hope everyone will try to give what they can to make Christmas a little bit brighter for everyone in our community.