NATCHEZ — Caroline Nobile has been a part of the Natchez Children’s Christmas Tree Fund longer than she can remember.

Originally called the Poor Children’s Christmas Fund, the organization was founded in 1900 by Nobile’s great-great grandfather James W. Lambert.

Nobile started as a child helping her aunt Katherine Killelea with the annual toy distribution. Now she watches her own daughters, Anna Katherine McDonough and Camille McDonough, pitch in like she did when she was a girl.

“As far as I can remember, I was bagging toys and bagging candy,” Nobile said. “I have helped shopped, helped giving out the toys. I have done it all.”

In previous years, Nobile has been the organizer of the event. This year she is the Children’s Christmas Tree Fund’s biggest cheerleader. Because of work and family, Nobile has passed on a bulk of the event’s duties to her uncle Johnny Junkin.

Like Nobile, Junkin remembers helping Lambert, his great-grandfather, with the annual toy distribution when it was hosted in the city auditorium.

“It fills a real need and the community has been real generous,” Junkin said.

Just a few days ago, Junkin said he was in a local dollar store buying toys when a young woman asked him what he was doing.

When Junkin mentioned the Christmas Tree Fund, the woman went out to her car and brought back $20 to donate, Junkin said.

For both Junkin and Nobile, every donation counts.

“From $1 to how ever much they want to give, people have been very generous,” Nobile said. “That is how it has been able to continues for more than 100 years.”

Throughout the holiday season, the Christmas Tree fund accepts contributions from local residents and the Santa Claus Committee, a group of local businessmen who raise funds for charitable causes.

From the donations, organizers will then buy toys for 300 children — children who are selected by the local Catholic Charities staff.

“We want to make sure the children of Natchez who are less fortunate have toys for Christmas,” Nobile said.

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.