In a heart-warming milestone, the North Texas Salvation Army announced that all Angels on its Angel Tree were adopted for the first time in several years, guaranteeing more than 35,000 children, older adults and adults with disabilities a special gift this holiday season.
A Full Adoption Success
The program’s success means that every Angel-each representing a child or adult in need-has found a family ready to receive a gift. The Salvation Army noted that while all Angels were adopted, not all donated gifts had been returned, prompting the organization to call on donors to bring in presents by Tuesday.
Distribution Centers Across Four Counties
Donors were directed to four distribution centers: the Dallas County Christmas Center at 9216 Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas, the Tarrant County Christmas Center at 229 E. Felix Street in Fort Worth, the Collin County Plano Corps Community Center at 3528 14th Street in Plano, and the Ellis County Waxahachie Corps Community Center at 620 Farley Street in Waxahachie.
Proper Packaging for Smooth Delivery
The Salvation Army emphasized that gifts must be bagged for each Angel to ensure efficient distribution to families. Families who receive Angel Tree gifts can pick up their packages through Thursday.
Volunteers From Cowboys and Media Step In
On Tuesday, staff from the Dallas Cowboys and NBC 5/Telemundo 39 volunteered to gather gifts and deliver them to Angel Tree families. NBC 5 morning reporter Alanna Quillen shared her experience: “Yeah, we’re reporting every day about the need to adopt angels every Christmas,” she said, “But then you see it here in this gigantic warehouse, it really puts everything into perspective.”
Community Response Is Remarkable
Officials highlighted the remarkable community response this year. Maj. Carolynn Webb of the Salvation Army said, “There are individual stories of why people adopt, or because they were helped when they were a child. And that was the reason they got a Christmas. And so now they can’t afford to help somebody else. It’s always touching and encouraging when a community comes out and helps other people in need. And the reason it varies. And we just listen to their stories. And all their stories are so special to hear why they’re helping with Angel’s tree.”
Over 35,000 Children Benefit
Volunteers stepped in to help distribute gifts to more than 35,000 children through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. NBC 5, Telemundo 39 and the Dallas Cowboys joined forces to ensure every gift reached a family in time for Christmas. NBC 5’s Noelle Walker covered the story.
NBC 5’s Long-Standing Sponsorship
NBC 5 has been a sponsor since the Salvation Army Angel Tree began in North Texas in 1984. It is the biggest Angel Tree program in the country. NBC 5/Telemundo 39 President and General Manager Tony Canales remarked, “It’s like almost overwhelming, all of the love you feel in North Texas, all of the donations, all of those that can help do help,” adding, “I hope they feel hope because that’s exactly what it’s all about.”
How to Continue the Giving
If you still want to help the Salvation Army of North Texas Angel Tree, you can donate money. It costs about $25 per Angel to operate the program.
Key Takeaways
- Every Angel on the North Texas Salvation Army Angel Tree was adopted, covering more than 35,000 families.
- Donors are urged to bring gifts to four distribution centers by Tuesday to meet packaging and pickup deadlines.
- Volunteers from the Dallas Cowboys, NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 helped collect and deliver gifts, highlighting strong community support.
The North Texas Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program demonstrates how collective generosity can bring joy to thousands during the holiday season. The successful adoption of every Angel, coupled with the dedication of volunteers and media partners, ensures that no family will be left without a special gift this Christmas.
