Angel Trees, a long-standing part of The Salvation Army’s holiday outreach program, have recently found unexpected popularity on TikTok. First launched in 1979, the Angel Tree program has spent decades providing Christmas gifts, clothing, toys, and essential items to children and seniors who might otherwise go without. Families in need can submit applications for wishlists, and once approved, their lists are turned into “angel tags” and displayed on decorated trees in malls, grocery stores, churches, and other community spaces. These tags often include necessities such as winter coats, shoes, clothing, or bedding. Anyone who wants to give can select a tag, purchase the requested items, and return the gifts to be distributed before Christmas.
While the program isn’t new, the explosion of attention it has received online is. TikTok creator Serena Neel began posting Angel Tree videos near the end of 2022 and has since become an internet favorite for the way she consistently goes above and beyond for each child she chooses.
This year, one of Neel’s most popular videos showed her shopping for a little girl who requested a “honey bee stuffy.” Neel initially interpreted this as a literal bee stuffed animal, but comments quickly pointed out that the girl likely meant toys from the HoneyBee Acres line. Neel returned to the store, corrected the misunderstanding, and filled her cart with multiple toys from the collection. She ended the video by thanking a store employee and proudly calling it “a proper HoneyBee Christmas.”
In another viral moment, Neel pulled a tag from a 16-year-old boy who wished for a female calico kitten because his emotional-support dog had recently passed away. The request touched her deeply. After confirming with the Angel Tree program that the boy truly meant a real kitten, Neel felt like she had to do something. She not only adopted a calico kitten for him but also purchased every supply he would need including litter, food, toys, a carrier, and even a gift card for ongoing care. As an animal lover herself, she recognized how meaningful a companion pet can be, especially after such a loss.
Neel’s videos have continued to explode in popularity, with some reaching over 30 million views. Her commitment to generosity has sparked a wave of Angel Tree participation across TikTok. Well-known creators like James Charles, Emilie Kiser, Yolanda Diaz, and Becca Bloom have all shared their own Angel Tree shopping videos, adding onto a trend that grows more viral and heartwarming by the day. In an interview with People Magazine, Neel said the tradition has become “the best and most fulfilling part of the holidays.”
In a season already full of giving, the resurgence of the Angel Tree program online stands out as one of the most uplifting stories this year. If you’d like to get involved, you can use the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Location tool to find participating locations near you, and you can also shop online for an Angel Tree using the same tool through Walmart.
Sources:
- https://saangeltree.org/
- https://people.com/woman-fixes-angel-tree-mix-up-in-viral-walmart-tiktok-exclusive-11850986
- https://www.nonprofitpro.com/post/modern-day-santa-salvation-armys-angel-tree/#:~:text=Along%20with%20the%20familiar%20red,Salvation%20Army’s%20Christmas%20assistance%20efforts.
- https://www.tiktok.com/@serenaneel?lang=en
