Deliver Joy to A Child This Christmas

Nov 20, 2024

Imagine being a child and not receiving any gifts on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, it happens across the United States. When parents are struggling to make ends meet and pay their bills, there is often nothing left to purchase presents.

But anyone can be the reason that a child has a special holiday memory this year! We invite people to select a tag from a Salvation Army Angel Tree in their community and make wishes come true by donating a few gifts. Angel Tree tags are available on decorated trees located at a variety of stores, businesses, and public locations, or by contacting the Salvation Army nearest you.

The tags detail a child’s age, gender and desired gifts. This helps donors choose items that are most relevant to the child’s interests, so they receive things they truly want and need. Gift requests may range from a winter coat to shoes, pajamas, books, and toys. This creates a sense of personal connection to the child and makes the act of giving more meaningful.

Typically, Angel Tree recipients are 12 years of age or under, but some locations open up the program to teenagers and senior citizens. The overall goal is to help those who may not otherwise receive a gift experience the joy of the holidays. This is a fun, easy way for donors to show love for others while celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Here’s how the Angel Tree works:

Locate a tree: Most trees are in public spaces, like stores, shopping malls and churches. Some businesses get into the holiday spirit by putting up a tree in their lobby or breakroom and inviting employees to participate in this activity.

Choose an Angel: The trees are decorated with paper angels. Each one represents a child in need. Look at the information provided and select and select an age or gender that resonates with you.

Go shopping: This is the fun part! Use the Angel’s age, clothing size and wish list to find special gifts that will bring smiles on Christmas Day.

Drop-off the gifts: Bring unwrapped gifts to the drop-off location in plenty of time for Christmas. Why unwrapped? Because it allows the receiving families to see exactly what items have been purchased for their children, ensuring they can properly distribute gifts based on needs and avoid potential duplicates. Don’t worry, we provide them with wrapping paper.

Enjoy the moment: It feels amazing to help children in need and envision their happiness on Christmas morning.

Another way to adopt an Angel is to visit the online Angel Tree registry through Walmart. Enter your zip code to search for your local Salvation Army. Add gifts you would like to purchase for children and seniors in your community to your Walmart shopping cart. Choose delivery and Walmart will ship the items to your local Salvation Army. It’s that simple. If you prefer, you can drop items off at a Walmart collection point which can be found in participating Walmart stores, or you can hand deliver them to your local Salvation Army.

We need your help spreading joy on Christmas morning and beyond! To learn about the year-round programs and services offered by your local Salvation Army, or discover ways you can help this holiday season, enter your zip code here.

 


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