NATCHEZ — The Natchez Fire Department is conducting its annual Toys for Tots charity program, collecting donations of toys, coats and money to distribute to needy families in the Natchez area.

Lola Knight, administrative assistant for the Natchez Fire Department, is calling for donations of toys and funds for the charity program.

“We provide needy families and children with a hot meal, a warm coat, and some kind of toy for Christmas,” Knight said. “We ask for new and unwrapped toys through October, November and December of each year so we can distribute those toys to kids in the community.”

Lynette Stewart, wife of former fire chief Oliver Stewart and founder of the fire department’s women’s auxiliary club, said she began the program in response to the need she saw in the community.

“There were so many children that I would see that were in need of help … times were hard in Natchez and in the Miss-Lou area,” Stewart said. “This is the time of year when children are looking not only for toys, but for clothing.”

The program served 247 children last year through a combination of generous private donations, grants and the firefighters’ own fund-raising efforts.

The fire department hosts a boot drive, in which firefighters line the streets, asking stopped traffic to drop cash into their outstretched work boots to help raise money for the charity program.

The boot drive will take place from 7:30. to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. approved a community grant last year, which provided $500 for Toys for Tots, which was spent on 24 coats to donate to Natchez children. Knight said she applied for the same grant this year, and hopes to receive it again.

“We’re going to try our best to get donations and do grants so we can help as many children in our area that we can,” Knight said.

“You can’t imagine what goes into it,” Stewart said. “But when you see (children receive the gifts), it just melts your heart.”

A donation box is located in the office of the Main Street fire station where toys and coats can be donated. The office is also accepting checks, cash and money order donations, though checks are preferred.

Families who would like to be added to the fire department’s list of intended recipients can come in person to the central station at 800 Main St. to apply.

Knight said, “I just want people to open up their hearts and help us make a child smile for Christmas.”