NATCHEZ — Children packed into the Braden School Auditorium Saturday to see what early Christmas gifts Santa Claus brought them this year.

The children were on the edge of their seats singing along to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” when the big guy arrived in his signature red suit.

“He’s here!” a boy shouted from the crowd as the children jumped from their seats and cheered as Santa made his way to the auditorium’s stage.

Four-year-old Troy Jones said he had been good all year so he could come see Santa on Christmas Eve.

Jones leapt from his seat when his name was called and hurried to the stage with his 16-year-old brother, Kenneth Thomas, to give Santa a hug for his gifts.

Jones lugged a large brown paper bag back to his seat and opened it to find a Mickey Mouse bowling set, ninja action figures, a yellow plastic bulldozer and a tool set with a plastic drill.

“I like this the best,” he said pointing to the drill.

Thomas said this year was his brother’s second year to participate in Children’s Christmas Tree Fund. Thomas’ younger sisters, Niyah and Nilah also received gifts.

Thomas said the Christmas Tree Fund makes his family’s Christmas special, especially for his brother and sisters.

“It gives them a lot more for Christmas than they would normally get,” he said. “It’s a really good thing.”

The Santa Claus Committee, comprised of local businessmen, oversees the annual toy giveaway. The Children’s Christmas Tree Fund’s organizers collect donations and purchase toys, food and candy for children ages 1-10. The names of needy children are submitted by Catholic Charities.

This year was 6-year-old Markendall Wilson’s first time to get an early gift from Santa on Christmas Eve. Wilson dug through his gift bag to find his most prized gift, a Special Forces Army gun complete with red flashing lights.

“It’s my favorite,” he said. “I like soldiers. I want to be one when I grow up.”

Kelvonda Arbuth, 10, gave Santa a big hug just before she received a bag full of girly favorites like a plush teddy bear, a green jacket, fruit and a makeup set.

Arbuth said she really liked her gifts and seeing Santa, but that wasn’t the only reason she was happy to gather at the auditorium with all the other children.

“I like that we’re celebrating Jesus’ birthday,” she said.