One of the largest parts of the holiday season is giving. Whether it’s giving gifts to friends or family or giving back to your community, Christmas brings out the spirit of gratitude.  

Known for their red giving kettles and Santa ringing the bell, the Salvation Army is a leading charity for holiday giving. For over 40 years, they have been sponsoring an Angel Tree. More recently partnering with major retailers such Walmart to ensure that every kid has a present under the tree on Christmas morning.

How does the Angel Tree work? 

A child or family in need registers their wish list with the Salvation Army. Once accepted their wishlist is put on a tree in a local Walmart or in an accessible place for community members to pick a tag off the tree and purchase the items on the wishlist. Once the items are purchased, the gift is dropped off, unwrapped, at the location the tag was picked. From there it goes to the angel in need. 

History and Mission

The tree helps provide new clothes, shoes, and toys to over 1 million children in the U.S. and Canada each year. They also include gifts for the parents or guardians on the tree as well. 

For information or to find your local Angel tree, check out the Salvation Army website.