NATCHEZ &8212; The Natchez Senior Citizens Multipurpose Center is wishing for volunteers with computer skills to donate their time this Christmas.

Senior Program Director Edwina Petersen said the center started a new introduction to computer class after receiving a donation of several computers and the time of a retired teacher to volunteer.

&8220;Now we have a long waiting list of people wanting to take computer classes so we need more volunteers willing to teach our seniors beginning computer skills,&8221; Petersen said.

The center was established over 30 years ago to offer aid and assistance and promote programs and services, to anyone 60 years old or older that enable them to remain independent longer and improve their quality of life.

The center serves more than 500 people each day offering nutrition, transportation, adult day-care services and recreational facilities.

Many of the people who come to the senior citizen&8217;s center come for socialization with other seniors, Petersen said.

Johanna and Larry Cochran have been coming to the center for 12 years.

Johanna, 77, said she first started to the center after her doctor recommended swimming as a therapy for her back.

&8220;It really helped so we started coming here to do other things too,&8221; Johanna said.

Johanna said she also enjoys the ceramics class and volunteering to teach floral design.

Larry, 80, said he and Johanna also come to eat lunch and socialize with the other seniors.

The center is a non-profit organization that runs its programs on federal, state and local grants, matching funds from the City of Natchez and support from United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou.

According to a press release from Petersen, the center also depends on donations from local businesses and the community to offer quality services for the seniors.

&8220;We have enough to eat by but we don&8217;t have enough money to pay for more staff to help stretch the services we do provide,&8221; Petersen said.

In addition to volunteers, the center is asking for people to donate more computers, printers, scanners, computer desks and money to pay for Internet access.

To volunteer or donate money and items visit the Multipurpose Center at 800 Washington St., or call 601-442-5802.