NATCHEZ — More than $3,000 has been donated to the Children’s Christmas Tree Fund so far this year, but organizers hope the donations will continue to come.

The fund — started in the 1900s by the publisher of The Democrat — is used to purchase gifts for needy children in the area.

All money raised is spent on toys, which will be handed out to qualifying children on Christmas Eve by Santa following the annual Santa Claus Parade through Natchez.

Donations can be mailed to Christmas Tree Fund, P.O. Box 1082, Natchez, MS 39121 or to The Natchez Democrat, P.O. Box 1447, Natchez, MS 39121.

Donations may also be dropped off at The Democrat’s 503 N. Canal St. office.

Donations to this date include:

4Sandra Stokes — $20

4Karen and Fred Callon in honor of Mrs. Emmett Jones — $50

4Amy, Heather, Lindsey and Lauren in honor of Grandaddy Gay —$100

4Mr. and Mrs. Newt Willis — $50

4Elizabeth Kisner in honor of Fred Cole — $10; in honor of Byrne Cameron — $10; in honor of Mike Harvey — $10

4The Thornton Familyin honor of Bennie and Merle Thornton — $50; in honor of Curtis & Ruby Cowart — $50

4Brad — $25

4Walter and Missy Brown — $100

4Anna A. Williamson — $25

4John and Sandra Tipton in honor of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Tipton Sr. — $50; in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Profilet Couillard — $50

4Leonore O’Malley in honor of Paul O’Malley — $25

4Leslie Bruning — $50

4Gayle Henry — $50

4Mr. and Mrs Elmo Irby in loving memory of Bobby Irby — $25

4Phil Hale in honor of Braxton Hale, Tallyn Fayard, Torri Fayard, Londyn Pigg — $100

4Kyle, Anna, Sarah and Madeline in memory of Daddy Wink — $40

4Anonymous in memory of Genena — $20

4Christina Zuccaro in memory of Bennett Jeansonne Jr. — $100

4Debra Blackwell in memory of David Pickle — $50

4Helen M. Austin in memory of Barbara McKinley — $35

4Mary Ann B. Jones — $100

4Molly, Sophie and Lynlee — $25

4Betty Ratcliff — $100

4Latta Ratcliff — $100

4Beverly Ratcliff —$100

4Scotty Byrne Taylor — $100

4Mary and Ed Eidt — $25

4Anonymous in memory of John and Doris Couillard — $10

4Anonymous in memory of Pat and Alyce Puderer — $10

4Natchez Rotary Club — $1,500

4Angie Weeks — $50

4Mrs. Sallie Ballard —$30

4Ruthie and Jim Coy in honor of Daniel, J. T., Mac and Bond Coy — $100