Angel trees are Christmas trees located in a variety of stores with long tags hung from the branches decorated with little angels at the top. These tags have the name of a child or young adult and a short list of what they would want for Christmas. These tags are for families who are not in a good position to buy their children presents or other necessities.
Angel trees began in the late 90s, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Two Salvation Army officers, Charles and Shirley White, approached a new shopping mall in hopes of a partnership for the Red Kettle effort. The Red Kettle effort is a fundraiser also run by the Salvation Army to receive donations for holiday assistance and for families. Kettles were unable to be inside the mall, so management suggested a Christmas tree could be put up instead to still bring about awareness for donations to children during the holiday. According to thewarcry.org, Mrs.White said, “We thought about how children are given toys and useful items at Christmas through the Army’s toy program. We also thought about when they go back to school and see their friends in new clothes, and they don’t have any because their parents couldn’t afford to buy them for Christmas. We wanted to help with that. So, we took a walk through the mall and entered a Hallmark store. I spotted a Christmas card with three angels on the front. So, I said, “What if we cut these and make three Angels out of them, each with a child’s clothing size on the back and hang them on the tree?” The Whites, in a strong effort to help children, helped create a tradition that has been ongoing for 40+ years. Many people contribute to this cause every holiday. Many celebrities, then and now, are very open about their donations. According to Apnews.com Joan Kroc, wife of Ray Kroc, the McDonald’s CEO, has made one of the largest donations, donating 1.8 million being around her fortune to the Angel Tree program. Many other well-known celebrities today are open about their donations, such as Buddy Valastro, Dolly Parton, James Charles, as well as a TikToker, Serena Veel, known for her noble acts towards delivery associates. Veel posted videos of her donating to 17 angels and has spread more awareness to this cause through her videos. Veel has bought things like clothes, legos, shoes, and her most popular gift, an emotional support cat for an angel. EHS student Jayde Perry (27) said, “I believe angel trees are a great thing, I think they really help children in need in your area and they are able to have fun and hope during the holiday season.” Angel trees are often highlighted as donations to younger kids, but many teenagers have been touched by donations made to them. Many places, like malls or grocery stores, have trees dedicated to teens 13-18, making sure children and young adults have something for this holiday season. Angel trees have more meaning than just giving donations, they show how a community can come together and help one another and build stronger connections within.
