While many children wake up on Christmas morning with presents under the Christmas tree, other children do not receive any gifts because their families are unable to afford the expense. Over 19% of children in the Quad Cities live in poverty, and this financial burden prevents them from being able to experience the simplicity, hope and happiness of the holidays.
But there is a program that strives to combat this issue and support these kids: Angel Tree.
Angel Tree is a holiday tradition that prioritizes helping those in need and spreading joy to all. This program gives new clothing, shoes and toys to children whose families cannot afford to provide gifts. Christmas is a season of giving love and thanks, so this is an opportunity for contributors to brighten someone else’s holiday.
Angel Trees can be found at local churches, schools and businesses, and families can register for their community’s program at these places. The Quad Cities community can contribute to Angel Trees at Starbucks, Walmart, Hotel Blackhawk, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Williams Intermediate and many other locations.
These trees are decorated with numbered paper angel tags that include the name, gender and age of the child. From this, community members take one or more tags and purchase gifts that align with the described interests of the child or children listed on their tag or tags. “There is no set amount, but I would say about $100 is typically spent per child,” said Angel Tree contributor Barb Saathoff.
Barb Saathoff is a teacher in a low income middle school, so she has witnessed how important and necessary the Angel Tree program is first hand. “Our students no longer qualify for Toys for Tots, so we have 65+ students that might not get anything at all for the holidays,” shared Saathoff. Angel Tree aims to assist in lessening that disparity and help make the holidays a season of peace and joy for all.
Beyond the gifts and toys, some children still just hope to fulfill their basic needs. “The most requested items of need by our students are clothes and personal hygiene items. We provide an option of a food pantry box with each of our angel tree kids,” added Saathoff.
Angel Tree contributors understand the extent to which this program impacts kids during the holidays, and they want to provide a helping hand to as many children as possible. “I participate in Angel Tree in order to help make children’s Christmases better,” expressed Angel Tree participant Monique McDonald. “Every child should have a happy, joyful holiday, and if getting something they really want but can’t afford is able to accomplish that, then these donations are beyond wonderful.”
Angel Tree aspires to reach as many kids as possible and help make their Christmas wish lists a reality. On a national scale, the Angel Tree program through The Salvation Army contributes gifts to more than one million children in need each year.
With generosity and gratitude, Angel Tree emphasizes the true meaning of the holidays. When Christmas rolls around, there is hope that someday all children will get to experience opening up a gift and feel joy and comfort during the holiday season.
