NATCHEZ — After helping 225 children in the Miss-Lou last year, the Natchez Junior Auxiliary volunteers hope the organization’s Angel Tree program is able to provide Christmas gifts for 250 children this year.

Debra Allen, project chair and auxiliary secretary, said the program aims to help community children who are not fortunate enough to otherwise receive Christmas gifts.

“The child did not ask to be put in that position,” Allen said. “If we can help them, we should. It is all about helping the children.”

The Angel Tree is located at Concordia Bank on 45 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive in Natchez. The campaign begins today and will conclude on Dec. 9.

Working as a teacher in the Natchez-Adams School District and through programs at her church, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Allen said she sees many community children in need.

“I love children,” she said. “They have parents who are maybe without work.

“I don’t want to see a child I can help go without Christmas.”

The Angel Tree is filled with paper-angel ornaments, and each angel represents a child in need this holiday season. Allen said a person could select an angel, take it home and bring a gift back to the bank by noon Dec. 9.

Children are asking for dolls, clothes, shoes, toy trucks and others are not asking for anything in particular, Allen said.

“One little girl said whatever you feel like getting, I will be thankful for,” Allen said. “Just thanks for getting me a gift.

“You can just tell these children who are really in need and don’t care what specific item you get them. That’s one of the touching parts of reading the applications, the children who said whatever you get me, I will be thankful.”

Allen said the auxiliary does not put a suggested price on the gifts, saying it is up to the individual donor.

Since Allen has been involved with the program, she said the donors have been very kind and she hopes that season of giving continues this year.

“Help the children who can’t help themselves,” Allen said. “It takes just a second to walk in and pull a name and say, ‘Let me help this child that is less fortunate.’

“But the impact on the child will be far reaching.”