Natchez is a city that lives on the backs and in the wallets of its people.

Fortunately the great majority of its citizens give willingly — perhaps more so than many other communities.

The most visible example of volunteerism is the great work that goes into the Natchez Pilgrimage each year. Hundreds of volunteers — and a few paid ones — make Pilgrimage work for thousands of visitors.

The same could be said for the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, Angels on the Bluff and a number of other, similar events. These events wouldn’t exist without volunteers.

But it’s not just their invaluable time that residents give; their wallets are offered for the greater good, too.

Statistically, Mississippians are among the most generous with their charitable giving. Although no statistics detail Natchez area giving by itself, evidence is all around us that it must be among the top in Mississippi.

From an always-strong United Way fundraising effort to one of the best Relay for Life fundraiser events in the country, the Miss-Lou puts its money where its heart is.

As we dive deep into the heart of the holiday season in the days ahead, we’ll recount a number of stories about local charitable events in a series titled “Season of Wishes.”

Each of the organizations detailed needs the community’s help. Our hope is that in one of these stories, you’ll find a cause that hits your heart and that in turn you’ll devote your time and/or a bit of your wallet to the worthy cause.