NATCHEZ — A Christmas tree without any presents can be a sad thing for a child, but for more than 100 years at least one Natchez organization has labored to make sure the city’s less fortunate children don’t walk away from Christmas empty-handed.

The Children’s Christmas Tree Fund, which collects money used to purchase the presents distributed by the Natchez Santa Claus Committee, is seeking donations for this year’s efforts.

Started sometime between 1900 and 1906 by The Natchez Democrat’s publisher, James Lambert, the fund was originally known as the Poor Children’s Christmas Tree.

It was originally an independent effort, but joined up with the Santa Claus Committee — local businessmen who also raise money for the project and select one of their own to serve as Santa when the toys are distributed — in the 1920s.

The toys are given to the children, whose names are provided by Catholic Charities, at Braden School on Christmas Eve.

For many years, The Democrat and Lambert’s family kept the effort alive.

In the 1970s, Katherine Killelea — a neighbor and friend of the Lamberts — took over leading the effort, and in recent years, the Lambert family has taken the lead again, and his great-great granddaughter Caroline Nobile said the effort is still worth it.

“Seeing the kids get their toys, and know that if we didn’t do this they would not have anything for Christmas, is what keeps us going,” she said. “Ensuring that kids who may not have a Christmas have something for Christmas is why we do it.”

The gift bags that are distributed, which include toys and candy, cost between $25 and $30 to make, and Nobile said most of the up front costs are charged to the fund’s credit card.

“All of our funds come from private donations and donations from individuals, and if we don’t have those, we wouldn’t have a way to go out and do that,” Nobile said.

“If we can get those donations before Christmas, we can take them and pay that credit card off right away, but after Christmas we won’t turn you down.”

Donations may be sent 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 office at 503 N. Canal St.