The Salvation Army of North Texas has kicked off the holiday season with the opening of adoptions for Angel Tree, the Christmas tradition that annually shows families and individuals in need that love exists beyond the most difficult situations.
In North Texas, which hosts the largest Angel Tree in the world, tens of thousands of local children, seniors and adults with special needs experience the joy of Christmas morning through the program. For more than 44 years, The Salvation Army has helped those who are struggling by distributing Christmas gifts provided by generous donors.
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program serves as a symbol of hope, particularly at a time when many are continuing to struggle with the impacts of inflation and rising costs. Across the region, thousands are faced with tough choices on how to stretch their already tight household budgets, leaving many torn between purchasing presents for the holidays or putting food on the table. The Salvation Angel Tree program helps alleviate added financial and emotional stress.
“We have experienced increased requests for assistance this year for Angel Tree, as well as all of our other programs. The generosity of the public through Angel Tree adoptions, financial donations, and our many other Christmas programs ensures we can meet the physical, social, and spiritual needs of North Texans year-round,” Major Dawn McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas, said. “We are grateful to everyone who is making the holidays brighter and life a little easier for our neighbors.”
Public support during the Christmas season is essential to ensuring The Salvation Army can provide community-specific services year-round to address the startling realities of poverty, addiction and homelessness. As requests for assistance rise, The Salvation Army is encouraging the North Texas community to support the program and make the season of giving more rewarding by adopting an Angel or making a donation.
Adopt an Angel
Once an Angel has been registered, their desired Christmas wish list is catalogued by The Salvation Army and available for the public to adopt. Items suggested for purchase includes new clothing, toys, shoes, sports equipment or essential hygiene and care products.
Donors can then adopt an Angel online or at an Angel Tree at participating Walmart and retail locations, which include:
- NorthPark Center
- Galleria Dallas
- North East Mall
- The Shops at Willow Bend
- Golden Triangle Mall
- Hulen Mall
- The Parks at Arlington
North Texans are invited to purchase gifts for an Angel in their neighborhood — visit The Salvation Army’s website and select the county you live in to choose a family or individual closest to home. Forgotten Angel tags will also be available for selection at select retailers, which helps The Salvation Army make Christmas happen for those who were adopted but their wishes weren’t fulfilled and they are still in need of gifts.
Return gifts
Once the new, unwrapped items have been purchased, The Salvation Army asks that it is ensured the gifts are bagged per Angel and that the corresponding Angel Tree tag with its code is included inside.
Drop-offs will then be available Dec. 1-2 from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the following mall locations:
- NorthPark Center
- Northeast parking lot near Macy’s
- Galleria Dallas
- Circle drive near Grand Lux Cafe
- North East Mall
- Quicklotz parking lot, at the intersection of NE Loop 820 Frontage and NE Mall
- The Shops at Willow Bend
- Parking lot C at Chapel Hill & North Dallas Tollway
- Golden Triangle Mall
- Food court parking lot
- Hulen Mall
- Near Dillards, enter at intersection of Overton Ridge Boulevard and Rock Quarry
- The Parks at Arlington
- JCPenney overflow parking lot, near W. Arbrook Boulevard and Parks Mall Dr. entrance
Drop-offs are also accepted at The Salvation Army (visit website for dates and hours):
- Christmas Center Dallas County, 9216 Harry Hines Blvd.
- Christmas Center Tarrant County, 229 E. Felix St.
- Irving Corps Community Center, 250 E. Grauwyler Road
- Plano Corps Community Center, 3528 14thStreet
The last day to adopt an Angel and return an Angel’s gifts is Dec. 2.
As the region’s largest social services provider, The Salvation Army provides a range of services throughout 4,000 square miles across Dallas and Rockwall, Tarrant, Ellis, Collin and Denton counties. Each week, organization provides housing to 1,300 people, nutritious food to 10,000 people and addiction recovery services to 800 people.
More information, donations or Angel Tree program, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-texas/angel-tree.