NATCHEZ — When the Natchez Stewpot is bursting with donations each holiday, thoughts of empty shelves are never far behind.

For an organization that serves nearly 110,000 meals each year, the food kitchen always has room for more, Stewpot Director Amanda Jeansonne said.

Jeansonne took over as Stewpot director in May 2015 when longtime director Louis Gunning dies.

“The food we get each holiday will fill the Stewpot physically, but it will only last the first half of the year,” she said.

Jeansonne said the organization struggles late in the summer to provide 300 meals they deliver each day to the elderly, handicapped, shut-ins and the hungry.

The Stewpot is wholly dependent on donations from the community. Jeansonne said the monetary and food donations they receive between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year help the Stewpot survive the lean times of the year when donations are low.

For this year’s Christmas dinner, the Stewpot is requesting donations of hams and any type of dessert — homemade or store-bought. Donations of the food can be brought to the food kitchen Dec. 23.

“We are blessed this time of year and are grateful for the army of volunteers who keep the Stewpot going,” she said.

Jeansonne said the volunteers are critical to the Stewpot’s success, including the 45-50 people who deliver 200 meals throughout the year. Volunteers, including area churches, also help provide meals for the 75-100 people who come to the food kitchen every day.

One of Jeansonne’s wishes this holiday is for a bit of Christmas in August and September, too.

“It would be great if a volunteer group would plan a big fund drive in August or September when we struggle the most,” Jeansonne said.

Even still, Jeansonne said the Stewpot is grateful for the gifts any time of the year.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the Stewpot at P.O. Box 298, Natchez, MS, 39121. Food can be dropped off at kitchen on East Franklin Street.