How Does an Angel Tree Work?

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is an annual tradition that serves millions each year, connecting families who want to give back with local children and seniors who could use a little extra joy. This year, North Texas hosts one of the nation’s largest programs, with more than 35,000 “angels” available for “adoption.”

It’s a meaningful way to make a difference and teach kids about kindness and community. If you’re looking to bring a smile to someone this holiday, here’s what to know about getting involved, how the process works and where to find angel tree locations across DFW.

What is an Angel Tree?

You’ve likely seen them in shopping malls, superstores, churches and corporations for decades—Christmas trees covered in paper angels. But these are more than just evergreens decorated with ornaments. Each angel symbolizes a child, senior, or adult with special needs. The intent behind angel trees is simple: to give generous individuals and groups the opportunity to share hope and joy with those in need each holiday season.

Donors “adopt” angels by selecting an angel tag on the tree and then fulfilling their holiday wish lists by purchasing and then donating new, unopened, unwrapped gifts. Adoptions are also available online.

When selecting an angel, you won’t know exactly who you’re adopting, just their name, age and gender. That’s because many of the families and individuals who participate are experiencing a vulnerable time, so their personal information is kept private. The Salvation Army then takes these presents and delivers them all across Dallas-Fort Worth, making sure that everyone can have a very merry Christmas.

Why Should I Adopt an Angel This Season?

“During the holidays, many North Texans are experiencing increased uncertainty as the weight of financial strain and emotional turmoil closes in,” says Major Carolynn Webb, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas.

“The angel tree program serves as a light in the darkness for tens of thousands of neighbors in need. For many families, angel tree means not having to choose between paying their bills and giving their children the joy of Christmas morning.” So, consider adopting an angel, or even a few, this holiday season if you are able.

How Did The Angel Tree Program Get Started?

The Salvation Army founded its angel tree program in 1979 to provide clothing and toys to children in need during the Christmas season. Majors Charles and Shirley White began by writing the holiday wishes of local children on Hallmark greeting cards that featured pictures of angels and placing them on a Christmas tree at the local mall.

Shoppers could then select a card and fulfill a child’s gift wishes. Thanks to the Whites’ compassion and creativity, more than 700 children enjoyed a brighter Christmas that first year.

How Can I Participate in the Angel Tree Program?

Getting involved with the angel tree program is easier than you might think. Simply head to a participating location, select an angel off the tree, buy the items on their wish list and then deliver the new, unopened, unwrapped gifts to a designated drop-off location by Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Items suggested for purchase can include essentials like new clothing, pajamas, hygiene and care products, and shoes, as well as lighthearted gifts such as toys, games and sporting equipment. Once the items are delivered to The Salvation Army, volunteers sort through every adopted angel’s items to ensure that they have sufficient gifts for Christmas morning.

Forgotten Angels
You can also choose to adopt Forgotten Angels—these are angels who were adopted, but their wishes were not fulfilled. Find their tags at select retailers, or go online and purchase generic gifts for them from The Salvation Army’s Walmart and Amazon registries. This ensures that everyone gets what they need and something extra that they may want.

What If I Can’t Afford All the Items on Their List?

When selecting an angel, it’s important to look at each angel’s specific gift wishes to make sure that they are in your budget. While you’re not required to buy every item on their list, it’s important to remember that you’re the only person buying for them this season, so donors are encouraged to fulfill as many wishes as they can.

If everything listed is not in your budget, consider teaming up with a friend, coworker, relative, or church member so that they can receive all the items on their list. (And see above for how to complete someone’s wishlist through Forgotten Angels.)

Where Can I Find Angel Trees in DFW?

North Texans can find angel trees at any of these participating mall locations:

• NorthPark Center (see their holiday schedule here)
• Galleria Dallas (holiday details here)
• North East Mall
• The Shops at Willow Bend
• Golden Triangle Mall
• Hulen Mall
• The Parks at Arlington

You can find more participating locations on The Salvation Army’s North Texas Area Command page. If you can’t make it out to select an angel in person, you can also adopt an angel online at salvationarmyntx.org/christmas.

What’s the Deadline to Buy and Donate the Gifts?

The angel tree program is officially underway for the 2025 season and will continue until Saturday, December 6. Gift drop-offs will be available on December 5–6 from 11am to 5pm at participating retail locations. Drop-offs are also accepted at The Salvation Army’s Corps Community Centers across North Texas on weekdays from Monday, November 3, 2025 all the way through the Saturday, December 6, 2025 deadline. Gifts are then distributed December 12–18.

Important note: Before dropping off, make sure that your gifts are bagged per angel and that the corresponding angel tree tag with its code is included inside.

How Do I Get My Kids Excited About Angel Trees?

The angel tree tradition is a wonderful way to give back to your community—and what better way to do it than as a family? By involving your children in the act of giving, you help them to discover the deeper meaning of generosity and compassion during the holiday season. Start by explaining that each angel represents a real child or person who may otherwise not receive gifts this year and then encourage your kids to help choose an angel and shop for the presents together.

RELATED: 4 Tips for Raising Non-Materialistic Children

What are Other Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season With the Salvation Army?

Most people choose to spend around $100 on their angel (although you’re welcome to spend less or more if you’re able—there is no price limit or spending requirement), but for some folks, this simply isn’t in the budget. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give back this November and December.

Volunteering
After all the gifts have been delivered to The Salvation Army, they need volunteers to sort and distribute them. Volunteering is another great way to get involved and help those less fortunate in your community, and it allows you to see the angel tree gifts being picked up by the angel families in person. You can find volunteer opportunities across Dallas-Fort Worth on The Salvation Army’s volunteer registration page.

RELATED: Volunteer Opportunities for Kids in Dallas-Fort Worth

Red Kettle Campaign
The Salvation Army also encourages residents to participate in their annual Red Kettle Campaign, the largest and longest-running fundraiser of its kind. North Texans can donate at Red Kettles stationed outside storefronts or online, register to bell ring at a local Red Kettle or host their own Virtual Red Kettle fundraiser.

And for those who have the means to make a contribution—both big or small—to any of their campaigns, The Salvation Army takes direct donations on their website as well.

How Else Can I Donate Toys to Local Kids in Need?

For the families looking to give back even more this Christmas, here are some other local and national organizations looking for participation:

• Toys for Tots
• WFAA Santa’s Helpers
• Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Holiday of Hope
• Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drive 2025
• Be An Angel Christmas Gifting Program
• Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Program

The Bottom Line

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a reminder of the power of community, compassion and generosity. No matter if you adopt an angel, volunteer your time, or donate to one of The Salvation Army’s many campaigns, every act of kindness helps to brighten the season for a neighbor in need. This Christmas, take the opportunity to give hope, share joy and make a lasting difference right here in North Texas.

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