Angel Tree Christmas help from the Salvation Army: How to get assistance.
For many low-income families, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is the only way they can get help with getting Christmas gifts. The program matches local donors with “Angels”, which are children from low income or struggling families (and in some areas seniors or adults with special needs). The main goal is to ensure families receive new toys and clothing selected from each child’s wish list. Find more details on the Angel Tree program in your area and state below with links to local Salvation Army application sites.
Nationally, Angel Tree provides gifts to millions of children each year, supported by a decades-long collaboration with Walmart as well as countless other non-profits and volunteer groups. While of course each local program rules vary based on resources, many Salvation Army locations will also help senior citizens who are 60 years and older. The Salvation Army can also help senior citizens receive assistance (clothes, companionship, food, etc.) from the free Angel Tree program. More details on Angel Tree include the following.
The demand for programs like Angel Tree generally exceeds resources. Do you have questions, or if you want to read what other people from local communities (in all states) are doing to find help at the holidays? Please use our Discussion Forum on programs including the Angel Tree that help people families get their kids a gift at the holidays - all sorts of tips, resources and more is posted there by real people.
How Angel Tree helps people in need at Christmas
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Each fall, local Salvation Army Corps open registration for families with children and also helps single moms at Christmas. While the exact terms and conditions vary by each location, in general free Xmas gifts, toys, clothes, and much more is provided for disadvantaged children that range in age from age 0 (infant) to age 13, though some charities or Salvation Army centers have earlier (or even older) cut off ages when it comes to ages of the kid. Each location accepts applications, usually as early as September.
After a parent or guardian applies and is approved by a local Salvation Army (or partner charity), the child’s first name, sizes, and wish items are placed on paper “angel” tags at participating businesses or in online registries. Community members adopt an Angel (the kid”), purchase new items for the “angel”, and return the gift unwrapped to the Salvation Army or non-profit.
- After that application and approval occurs, the Salvation Army then coordinates distribution before Christmas so parents can place gifts under their own tree - at home. Many areas now offer both in-store Angel Trees and virtual options, including registries through Walmart’s Spark Good platform and online “Virtual Angel Tree” portals.
What you’ll receive from a local Angel Tree program and what to expect
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The Angel Tree program is one of the most effective resources that provides gifts of new toys, winter coats and clothing to hundreds of thousands of children and senior citizens who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas. Some communities also add stocking stuffers or bikes when donations allow. Other presents may be books, games, Legos, tablets, or educational material. There are even some options such as free gift cards to pay for Christmas toys which may be offered too.
- The Angel Tree service depends on donations from the local communities as well as companies (like WalMart, Dollar Store, etc). Therefore what is passed out to qualified applicants varies. But it is an opportunity for people throughout their local community to help families and children in need during the holidays.
Distribution usually happens on scheduled dates in December, and you’ll be assigned a pickup window or drive-through time. If an Angel is not “adopted” by a donor, local Corps make every effort to fill gaps so no child is left out. Actual quantities and items depend on donations in your area, but the goal is that every child has gifts to unwrap.
When to apply and Angel Tree program application process
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This is where the Salvation Army can help. The Angel Tree program in you area, listed below by state, accepts applicants often as early as August or more likely September, The program also allows members of the community to become more involved. They can give back to their local communities. It allows people the ability to give holiday joy and gifts to children in need who would otherwise be left out on Christmas. Families who apply to Angel Tree can submit applications for all of their children as well.
- In order to qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines that are established by your Salvation Army local center. The individual will need to have a low to moderate income, or even be living in poverty. In general, individuals also can’t be receiving support from other holiday or Christmas programs, so they can’t enroll into more than one service.
 Registration windows open early. In many local areas applications are even accepted typically in August, September or October. But the demand is high - the applications will often close well before December so gifts can be purchased and sorted.
- Example schedules from recent seasons include North Texas (registration opening in mid-September, with public adoptions in November and distribution in mid-December) and Phoenix (registration opening in October). Because dates change annually and by city, applying as soon as local registration opens is essential.
- Note after registering, most Angel Tree programs prohibit duplicate assistance for the same household from multiple Christmas gift programs, so be prepared to attest that you are not receiving gifts elsewhere. Keep your approval email and follow pick-up instructions closely; missed appointments may jeopardize your spot. If your situation changes (for example, you move), contact your Corps immediately to update records so gifts aren’t misdirected. Local pages will spell out these rules and any income thresholds specific to your city.
During the application process, which is established by your local Salvation Army center, the clothing sizes, gift requests and special needs of the children are determined and will need to be written on the application. This means the client can be provided only what they need.
List of Salvation Army Angel Tree by state
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First - be prepared. Gather documents: ID, proof of address, proof of guardianship/age for each child, and proof of income or need if required. Apply with a Salvation Army (or local Angel Tree partner) as soon as registration opens as demand is high. Watch email or social media for approval and pick-up instructions. Also any applicants should keep receipts and communications of their application as some donations are tracked for inventory or tax records, and you’ll need your appointment details in December when picking up the gifts.
There are thousands of application and registration sites, and we have each and every state listed below. Or look for other options here https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/angel-tree/. Normally Angel Tree is run in partnership with local businesses like WalMart, schools, charities or churches as well as non-profits as well. There is no cost to register or sign up for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas gift program. The bottom line is that Angel Tree remains one of the most trusted, community-driven ways to make Christmas possible for struggling families or single parents.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii and Honolulu County
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Volunteer - donate to the Salvation Army Angel Tree program to help people in need
It is easy to participate in the program. Early in the holiday season, Salvation Army Chapter volunteers will pro-actively solicit local businesses to adopt Angels. While the methods used for collecting funds or soliciting shoppers for purchasing the toys and gifts for the Angels varies widely, the bottom line is that more volunteers, participants, businesses and donations are always needed.
Volunteers and donations are always needed. For example, many corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for the Angel Tree program with The Salvation Army. Any local business or organization that wishes to help just needs to call their local Salvation Army center, and they can find out how you can partner together and participate in a variety of co-advertising as well as publicity opportunities as well.
If your business doesn't currently participate in this program, please register and consider working with the Salvation Army Angel Tree holiday program this holiday season. As many seniors, children, and even infants may be able to experience the joy of the Christmas and holiday season with your help.
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