Salvation Army begins Angel Tree adoptions

The Salvation Army of North Texas has officially kicked off the holiday season with the opening of adoptions for Angel Tree, the high-profile 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 each year 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 to be placed under their tree.

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 that 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 continue to 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.

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 adopt an Angel online or at an Angel Tree at participating Walmart and retail locations, which includes:

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.

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 on 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 Blvd.

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 the intersection of Overton Ridge Blvd. and Rock Quarry

The Parks at Arlington, JCPenney overflow parking lot, near W. Arbrook Blvd. and Parks Mall Dr. entrance

Drop-offs are also accepted at The Salvation Army:

Christmas Center Dallas County, 9216 Harry Hines Blvd.

Christmas Center Tarrant County, 229 E. Felix St.

Irving Corps Community Center, 250 E. Grauwyler Rd.

Plano Corps Community Center, 3528 14th St.

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, The Salvation Army of North Texas provides housing to 1,300 people, nutritious food to 10,000 people and addiction recovery services to 800 people.

To learn more about The Salvation Army of North Texas or donate financially to support the Angel Tree program, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-texas/angel-tree.

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