All animals at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society might be on Santa’s nice list, but the four-legged friends still need your help to make sure they get everything they need this holiday season.

The humane society is hosting a Christmas fundraiser from 7 to 9 p.m., Dec. 7 at the house of Jim and Charlotte Franklin at 31 Country Squire Road in Natchez.

But the main hosts for the party are the Franklins’ three friendly cocker spaniels, Beau, Dante and Lucy, who will happily greet all partygoers that evening.

Beau knows especially how important the fundraising is to the friends he left behind at the shelter when the Franklin family rescued him, so don’t be surprised if he gives you a special hello.

The annual fundraiser is essential to keeping the doors open at the shelter, NACHS board chairman Kathy Fitch said.

“The money we gather from these fundraisers helps keep us going,” she said. “These events are extremely important to us.”

The fundraiser will include a cash bar, silent auction, food and fellowship.

Chantal Marsaw will prepare her famous chicken Alfredo pasta, Beverly Hall will bring a salad and the Natchez Newcomers’ Club will prepare Christmas desserts.

Holiday attire is preferred.

A new addition to the annual fundraiser, board member Susan Callon said, will be a pickup truck parked outside the Franklins’ house decorated as Santa’s sleigh.

Those attending the party can bring food, cleaning supplies, towels, blankets or other donations for the shelter to put in the sleigh.

“We always need those kinds of things all year round, but the towels and blankets especially this time of year so the animals don’t get cold,” Callon said. “We thought this would be a perfect time to allow people to donate items for the shelter.”

Callon said her Christmas wish every year is that the animals at the shelter get a home for the holidays.

“On Christmas Eve, my husband and I drive by the shelter, park outside and make a wish that all the cages will be empty for Christmas,” Callon said. “That’s my wish each and every Christmas.”

Callon said residents could make her wish come true in ways other than animal adoption.

“We understand that not everyone can adopt a pet, but they can even consider fostering a pet just for the holidays,” Callon said. “We’re always looking for foster homes for the animals, and this is a perfect time to give them a home.”

A $25 donation is required of each person in attendance at the fundraiser and can be turned in the day of the event.

Monetary donations can also be sent to P.O. Box 549, Natchez, MS, 39121-0549.

For more information about the humane society, visit natchezpetadoptions.org.