Salvation's Army Angel Tree

Friday, 04 December 2009 20:45 |

Volunteering Opportunities - Children

Salvation's Army Angel Tree
The Gift of Hope

Many children would go without a Merry Christmas if it were not for the Angel Tree program. Thanks to the generosity of people like you, a child right here in Hidalgo County will experience the delight of Christmas through your participation in the Angel Tree program.

Who sponsors the Angel Tree program and what is it?

The Salvation Army sponsors the Angel Tree program to provide holiday gifts for children ages 12 and younger.

Where do the Angels come from?
The program is open to children of needy families whose applications are carefully screened by The Salvation Army. The applications are then processed and an angel is assigned to a child.

Where is the Angel Tree located?
The official Angel Tree is located in La Plaza Mall in McAllen. Angels may be adopted from November 13th through December 13th. Several businesses and organizations throughout Hidalgo County have their own trees with Angels supplied by The Salvation Army.

Can anyone adopt an Angel?
Yes, you may adopt as many Angels as you like. Remember: each Angel represents a child, somewhere here in Hidalgo County. If you are adopting as a group, please consider adopting several Angels.

How do I adopt an Angel?
From November 13th through December 13th, go to the official Angel Tree site at La Plaza Mall and select and Angel from the tree.

After adopting an Angel, what do I do?
Your Angel tag will provide you with the Angel's first name, age, sex, clothing sizes, and the item(s) they would like or need. Purchase new gifts for your Angel and return them to the tree where you selected your Angel. Please do not wrap the gifts.

How much should I spend?
There is no set amount to spend, but on average, each Angel should receive 3-4 gifts with a mix of toys and/or clothing items for children and appropriate gifts.

How are the gifts distributed?
The gifts are distributed a few days before Christmas from the Angel Tree warehouse, using the code numbers that are assigned to the individual Angels. Parents are given a specific time to come and pick up the gifts for their children. To ensure that all gifts go the person for whom they were purchased, all gifts need to be returned to The Salvation Army by December 14th.

What is a Forgotten Angel?
Sometimes Angels are adopted but the gifts are not bought or returned for the Angel selected. When you donate gifts to the "Forgotten Angel" these work as a backup for an Angel that otherwise would not have been selected or returned.

What if I'm too busy to shop for gifts? Can I still participate somehow?
Yes, you can attach a donation to the Angel you've adopted and return it to us. The Salvation Army will shop for you! They suggest a donation of $30 or more. Please return with your donation by December 14th.

How many children are helped on the average?
In 2008, 3,879 children were deemed Angels and received a gift.

Is there an example of an organization that participates every year?
Gonzalez Elementary in McAllen adopts 600 Angels a year. The students take great pride in bringing in toys and clothing for their selected Angel.

The Salvation Army
1600 N. 23rd Street
McAllen, TX 78503
(956) 682-1468

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Last Updated (Friday, 04 December 2009 21:20)