Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope to assist with your Angel Tree needs through our list of frequently asked questions.
What is the Virtual Angel Tree?
The Virtual Angel Tree is a safe, easy way to shop for Christmas, spreading joy and cheer to your neighbors in need. The Virtual Angel Tree program is an online alternative to our traditional Angel Tree, which provides gifts for children, teens, seniors, and families who otherwise wouldn’t receive one. You can select Angel Tree Gift Tags online, shop locally or from home, and even ship directly to The Salvation Army community center nearest to you. Anyone can make a difference this season with the Virtual Angel Tree Program!
How Do I Use the Virtual Angel Tree Website?
Here's a video tutorial that may help you get accustomed to the Virtual Angel Tree website. We've also created a user guide which includes some FAQ's and helpful hints for shopping/shipping online.
How Do I Get My Group, Business or Organization Involved?
Businesses, groups, or organizations are invited to be part of this program by hosting their own Virtual Angel Tree page or reserving tags from a Corps Community Center’s page. Company sites are customizable and allow you to engage all of your employees, clients, family and friends virtually. The Salvation Army will work with you to design your site and help publicize your participation. If you would like to have a custom virtual angel tree site, contact us by November 30th.
Can I adopt more than one Angel?
Businesses, groups, or organizations who want to adopt larger groups of Angels may contact uscmet.holidaydonate@usc.salvationarmy.org or 773-205-3502 to inquire about group adoption opportunities.
Can I adopt a Family of Angels?
No, but perhaps you should consider our Adopt a Family program. To learn more about Adopt a Family, email Latonya.Okome@usc.salvationarmy.org.
I adopted an Angel but would like to exchange it for a different one. Is this possible?
When you adopt an Angel online you are committing to provide a gift to a child who otherwise wouldn’t receive one. However, if you adopted an Angel by accident or have since become unable to financially commit to providing a gift, contact uscmet.holidaydonate@usc.salvationarmy.org or 773-205-3502.
There are no Angels available in my area, but I still want to help. How can I do so?
Donations can be made to The Salvation Army. Your support will help them deliver more critical services to individuals and families in need.
Do the items have to be new, or can I give used items that are in good condition?
All items that you provide to your Angel must be new, unopened items.
Should I wrap the gifts for my Angel(s)?
No. Please do not wrap items for your Angel. Simply include the Angel Tree Gift Tag with your gift so that we can be sure it is delivered to the correct Angel.
Where do I deliver Virtual Angel Tree gifts?
You will receive a confirmation email with the address of the drop-off/shipping location for your selected Angel. You can also find the location on the Angel Tree Gift Tag(s), which you can email from the website and print. Please gather all (unwrapped) items for your Angel, attach the Angel Tree Gift Tag to the items, and bring or ship them to the location on your Angel Tag. You may want to call the location to confirm in-person drop-off time and procedure.
What is the deadline to get my gifts to The Salvation Army?
Deadline dates will vary by location. Gifts must be received by location associated with your Angel Tree Gift Tag by the date provided on the Tag.
I adopted an online Angel but have missed the shipping deadline. What should I do?
Please call 773-205-3502 or email uscmet.holidaydonate@usc.salvationarmy.org for more information.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Please be sure to save your Angel Tree sales receipt(s) since contributions to The Salvation Army may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purpose, to the extent allowed by law. If you need a letter and donated angel tree or adopt a family gifts to Salvation Army in greater Chicagoland, northern Illinois, or northwest Indiana, please click on the following link and complete the form. You will receive a letter acknowledging your donation after 1/1/2022.
Need Holiday Emergency Assistance for Your Family?
To receive Christmas assistance for your family, please use our zip code finder to locate a corps community center in our service region. Call or visit their website to apply online Friday, October 1 - Friday, December 3rd.
If you are in need of emergency financial assistance, call 773-205-3520.