NATCHEZ — The Natchez Children’s Service serves approximately 150 children, from 3-18 years old, who are witness or are victims to crimes in Adams, Claiborne, Jefferson, Franklin and Wilkinson counties.

Natchez Children’s Service has been around since 1816 and seeks donations for the holiday season.

For the Christmas season, Cherish McCallum, Executive Director of Natchez Children’s Service, said the organization needs donations in the form of cash, checks and games and craft projects for ages 3-18.

“This is so they can go home and have something positive,” McCallum said.

The monetary donations are a key part in providing trauma therapy, advocacy, assistance and investigations against physical and emotional abuse and child murder.

“We are here to give children a chance to tell what happened to them that’s safe and kid friendly,” McCallum said.

Natchez Children’s Service is part of a national accredited children’s alliance and has to meet standards. To be nationally accredited, McCallum said the organization has to give services to children at no cost to them or their families.

The organization provides certified counselors to children who are involved in criminal investigations, with Child Protective Services or other law enforcement agencies, McCallum said. Counselors work with the children and their families as they undergo interviews with law enforcement and court officials throughout the course of cases in which the children are involved.

To donate to Natchez Children Services, one can write a check out to Natchez Children Services with the memo saying ‘donation,’ go online to www.bridginghopecac.org, call their phone number 601-442-6858, by making an appointment or by mailing donations to P.O. Box 2028 Natchez, 39121.