NATCHEZ — The Christmas tree in the lobby of United Mississippi Bank serves as more than just a decoration.

Natchez Junior Auxiliary has set up its Angel Tree Project at UMB, and locals will have the opportunity to be an angel to a less-fortunate child this holiday season.

Approximately 300 angels with the first name, age and gender of local children currently line the Christmas tree, and anyone with a generous heart is welcome to bring a Christmas present to donate to one of the children. There are approximately 200 children who haven’t been claimed yet.

“For many of these children, it’s the only gift they’ll get for Christmas,” said Lauren Burns, who’s helping with the project.

Those wishing to donate can come by the UMB lobby from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 13 to select a child. Most children have a list of items they want, Burns said, and they range from less than a year old to 12 years old. Anyone who donates will also receive and angel ornament with the child’s name so they can pray over the child, Burns added.

“We prefer the gifts be wrapped, but we can wrap them (if necessary),” Burns said.

Gift cards or monetary gifts are accepted, and if anyone is unable to provide a gift by Dec. 13, they can call Burns at UMB at 601-445-7000, or Catherine McDaniel at 601-597-1791, to arrange something.

The Angel Tree program has been benefitting area children for at least 20 years, Burns said, and Catholic Charities and the Department of Human Services provide the names of the children.

“It’s all local,” Burns said.

In addition to the tree, Junior Auxiliary is also leading Coats for Kids this month, a program that provides nurses of local public schools with coats and jackets for children who are unable to afford their own.

“If they can’t afford a coat, they can go see the nurse to get one to wear throughout the day,” Burns said.

Coats of any sizes are accepted, though Burns said to please not donate any red coats. Donations for the project can be made at UMB from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 13.

Locals can follow Junior Auxiliary of Natchez on Facebook and Twitter.