Millions of children around the world don’t get to experience what it’s like waking up on Christmas morning with more presents than one can imagine. Although that’s not what the holiday is about, there’s something special about knowing that someone took the time and money to show their love. This year, angel trees have become more well-known on social media, thanks to both negative and positive videos. It’s important to know what goes on behind the scenes, including the history of helping the less fortunate. No child is getting left behind this holiday season.
To begin, the Angel Tree Christmas is a program that the Salvation Army started in 1979 in a shopping mall located in Lynchburg, Virginia, by Charles and Shirley White. The original idea was to write children’s needs on Hallmark cards featuring children, hanging them on Christmas trees, and asking shoppers to select and buy presents for a child. Over time, it has expanded beyond malls and now also includes senior citizens in need. Marking a new tradition, millions get the Christmas they deserve every year.
Additionally, the process begins when families apply for assistance in Sept-Oct. Not just anyone can sign up; only those with a low income can. Then decorative trees are set up in businesses, churches, and local stores such as Walmart. That is where angel tags hang; each one includes age, gender, size, and wants/needs. Once everything’s set up, the community joins in. Loving donors adopt angels in November by picking the tags off the tree. Once the donors have removed everything from the list, plus any extras they can, they pay and drop off the gifts at the locations indicated on the tags. All items must be newly bought. From there, volunteers help sort everything neatly for families to come pick up their gifts a week before Christmas, giving parents enough time to wrap what’s given.
Furthermore, TikTok has made it a trend to participate in helping this year through a viral angel tree debate. One of the first well-known videos came from TikTok user @itscookiedoughh. The donor shared her experience shopping for two kids of her own and explained that the minimum spending value for each tag was $30, which is what she used to make the total budget. On the angel’s list, she requested Baby Alive toys and accessories. The donor initially decided to look for an off-brand option, noting that she didn’t know much about the toy and wanted to “wrap things up” shopping. Her husband suggested purchasing the real doll, which they ultimately did. Realizing this exceeded the $30 minimum, the donor commented, “Then that’s it. She’s only going to have one present to open on Christmas.” The internet bashed her so much that she didn’t just delete the video but also the whole account.
Despite the negatives, this viral TikTok influenced many creators and viewers to adopt an angel of their own to show how it should be done, helping thousands of children who don’t typically have the resources to receive presents. Some of the well-known creators who took part in adopting are James Charles, Carter Kench, and Serena Neel, who went as far as buying an angel a support cat because their dog passed, along with tons of supplies to take care of it. Of course, everything on the angel’s tag was also included. Many would argue that social media influencers do not do it for fame, but to raise awareness and encourage more people to help their communities. Trend or not, many children are getting the Christmas they deserve, so honestly, it’s a win for everyone.
However, if one is interested in being a donor, there should not be a ”budget.” If there is, it needs to be reasonable and definitely not $30. These children in need already tend to struggle, so please take this as an opportunity to spoil a child. Most of the angels ask for hygiene products or clothing; there’s no reason an eight-year-old should ever have to worry about those items. Yes, the tags on every tree should include everything on that label and more, if possible. If one can’t do that, then don’t touch the tree.
Overall, the most wonderful time of the year is here, which shouldn’t leave any angel upset because they believe Saint Nick doesn’t love them enough to leave presents under the tree on Christmas morning. Angel Tree is a wonderful way to give back to the community, and anyone with the time and budget should consider volunteering as one of Santa’s elves this holiday season.
