More than 37,000 children, seniors and adults with special needs across North Texas are slated to receive Christmas gifts through The Salvation Army’s 2026 Angel Tree campaign. The organization opened adoptions on Nov. 6 and will accept gifts through Dec. 5, with distribution planned for Dec. 14‑22.
Why the need is growing
In a release provided to The Dallas Express, the Salvation Army of North Texas said inflation and higher living costs have added pressure on families already struggling to meet basic expenses. The agency hopes to meet the increased demand by expanding its goal from more than 35,000 Angels in 2025 to over 37,000 this year.
How the Angel Tree program works
Donors select an Angel—a registered child, senior or adult—and purchase gifts from that person’s wish list. Desired items include new clothing, pajamas, shoes, hygiene products, toys, games and sporting equipment. All gifts must be new, unwrapped and bagged separately for each Angel, with the matching Angel Tree tag attached.
Adoptions can be made online at SalvationArmyNTX.org or by selecting tags from trees placed at participating shopping locations. Participating malls include NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas in Dallas; Golden Triangle Mall in Denton; The Parks at Arlington; North East Mall in Hurst; and Hulen Mall in Fort Worth. Angel Tree tags are also available at participating Walmart stores.
Drop‑off locations and volunteer opportunities
Weekday gift‑return centers are located at 9216 Harry Hines Blvd. (Dallas), 229 E. Felix St. (Fort Worth), 3528 14th St. (Plano) and 620 Farley St. (Waxahachie), open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drive‑through return windows will operate Dec. 4‑5, 11 a.m.‑5 p.m., at seven sites: NorthPark Center, Galleria Dallas, Golden Triangle Mall, Riders Field in Frisco, The Parks at Arlington, North East Mall and Hulen Mall.
For those unable to adopt an Angel, the Salvation Army welcomes volunteers to sort gifts or make financial contributions to the Christmas campaign. The organization notes that its 21 North Texas centers also provide food assistance, shelter, counseling, rehabilitation and other services year‑round.
Community impact
Major Carolynn Webb, area commander of the Salvation Army of North Texas, called the Angel Tree program “a light in the darkness” for tens of thousands of neighbors in need. She emphasized that the effort relies on the generosity of local supporters to bring both gifts and hope to families facing hardship.
The North Texas operation, described as the world’s largest Angel Tree program, has served the region for nearly five decades, covering Dallas, Rockwall, Tarrant, Ellis, Denton and Collin counties. Earlier coverage in Dec. 2023 documented the campaign’s service to roughly 35,000 local recipients.
How to get involved
To adopt an Angel, donate a gift, or volunteer, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org for detailed instructions, wish‑list access and a calendar of drop‑off sites. The Salvation Army encourages donors to check each location’s specific parking and drop‑off guidelines before heading out.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
