NATCHEZ — On a Christmas tree residing in the lobby of Concordia Bank’s Natchez location, one can read the wishes of some of the area’s needy children — wishes for remote control cars, bicycles and even socks.

The wishes are written on paper angels, hung from the branches by the Junior Auxiliary, a local organization that does work for needy children.

Junior Auxiliary members set up Angel Tree in Concordia Bank lobby in Natchez. Click here for slideshow

The project is known as Angel Tree, and it has been a yearly project for more than 30 years, Junior Auxiliary Vice President Cara Moody said.

“It was created because of a growing need in the area,” Moody said. “So many children were going without.”

The premise of the tree is simple: take an angel off the tree, return with a present to place under it.

The angel has the name, age and gender of the child the present will be given to, and the Junior Auxiliary will distribute the gifts to Catholic Charities, the Department of Human Services and the County Appointed Special Applicants.

Those who give to the program will be given a Christmas tree ornament, Leslie Thompson with the Junior Auxiliary said.

“The ornament is an angel that is just a token reminder of what they have done for us,” Thompson said.

Though any presents are appreciated, those who give should refrain from giving toys that resemble weapons, Thompson said.

As for the requests for socks, Thompson said she thinks those who give will be generous.

“I would hope most people would get them a little toy to go with the socks,” she said.

Presents may be donated from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Concordia Bank Natchez branch lobby through December 13.

Monetary donations to the Angel Tree Fund may be sent to Natchez Post Office Box 1592.