Spirit of Giving: Angel Tree program seeks ‘angels’ for 12,000 more North Texas families

   

As North Texans prepare for the holiday season, many are caught between the joy of giving and the stark realities of pocketbook limitations.

“We have moms and dads, single moms, single dads, with children who are now having to make a choice on ‘What do I not buy at the grocery store so I can buy some toys?’” said Maj. Dawn McFarland, area commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas.

Despite 19,000 angels already adopted through partnerships with local corporations, the organization says it still has a need for people to adopt 12,000 children in addition to seniors and special needs adults.

“Not only are you putting gifts under a tree, but you’re taking an incredible weight off of parents, which I think is an enormous gift,” McFarland said.

The Salvation Army of North Texas Major Dawn McFarland points out a Forgotten Angel tag...
The Salvation Army of North Texas Major Dawn McFarland points out a Forgotten Angel tag during a tour of the North Texas warehouse, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)

According to Feeding America, 64,0000 people in North Texas are grappling this year with not having enough to eat, including one-in-five children in the area.

Amidst this challenge, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program remains a source of support, aiming to provide Christmas gifts for over 40,000 vulnerable individuals, including children, seniors and adults with special needs.

“For me, the Salvation Army breathes the gospel of Jesus Christ and meets human needs without any discrimination. And needs can even include things like Christmas gifts, and I just think it’s such a beautiful example of people caring for their neighbors.” McFarland said. “The Angel Tree program is more than just a gift-giving initiative; it is an operation that requires planning, coordination and volunteer support.”

The journey begins each September, as applications open in shelters, houses and churches across North Texas. For many, the process involves language translation, adding layers to the approval procedure, which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several weeks.

Officials said the demand of bilingual volunteers is increasing, given that two out of 13 local churches have Spanish-speaking individuals.

Once applications are processed and angels are approved for adoption, corporate partners step in with adoptions commencing as early as October. However, not all angels are paired immediately, leading to public adoptions in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The agency has distribution points across 12 locations in North Texas, including communities like Pleasant Grove, Oak Cliff and McKinney, from Dec. 11-21.

During this time, the sheer scale of the program becomes apparent, with warehouses filled with red bags stacked from the floor to the top of the shelves.

Mia Martinez works inside the The Salvation Army of North Texas warehouse, on Friday, Nov....
Mia Martinez works inside the The Salvation Army of North Texas warehouse, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Dallas. (Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)

“In my first year, three years ago, I was aware that we managed a massive program with 40,000 Angels, but it’s just incredible to see shelves stacked high with red gift bags, each filled by a generous donor who ensures parents can provide for their children, despite never meeting them,” McFarland said. “I do it every year. I just cry. because it’s unbelievable.”

Each bag contains hand-selected items, chosen by strangers who have taken the time to understand the needs and wishes of the angels they’ve adopted.

McFarland says witnessing the generosity of strangers willing to make a difference for those they may never meet is an emotional experience — a testament to the resilience and spirit of the North Texas community.

“What blows my mind is how North Texas shows up for people,” she said.

As the deadline of Dec. 7 approaches, community members can adopt an angel, senior or adult with special needs in the official website of The Salvation Army, or at the Mall Tree locations.

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