How ‘angel trees’ help children and seniors in need receive holiday gifts

People pass by a giant Christmas tree displayed to celebrate the upcoming holiday season at a shopping mall in Vilnius, Lithuania, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis)

Angel trees allow people to give holiday gifts to children or seniors in need. The programs typically involve a Christmas tree decorated with paper “angel” tags that contain a name or age and a Christmas wish list. Donors then purchase listed items like toys and clothing and drop them off at a designated location.

While angel tree campaigns have been around for years, social media has made them explode in popularity. You can find angel trees in places like malls, shops and churches, as well as online programs.

Here’s a look at just a few of the angel tree programs you can find in Canada.

The Salvation Army

Salvation Army has long participated in angel tree programs by placing trees with tags in shops and malls. In 2024 alone, the Salvation Army in Edmonton collected 2,071 toys through its “Toy Angel Program.”

“Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning,” the Christian charity says on its website.

The programs are not available in every city, so contact your nearest Salvation Army location to learn more.

Prison Fellowship Canada

Prison Fellowship Canada’s angel tree program helps children receive a Christmas gift on behalf of incarcerated parents.

“Through this program, children not only receive a gift under the tree at Christmas but maintain connections and bonds with their incarcerated parent,” the Christian organization says on its website.

According to Prison Fellowship Canada, last year the program helped 4,904 children nationwide thanks to 2,009 sponsors and 117 participating churches. You can register to participate online.

Cadillac Fairview

Cadillac Fairview is hosting angel trees and similar toy drives at several of its malls.

CF Fairview Mall in North York is helping support Christmas shopping for 168 children at a nearby family shelter and 175 seniors in partnership with North York General Hospital.

In Etobicoke, CF Sherway Gardens has a “Be a Santa” tree with Christmas gift wish lists that will support women and children at the Women’s Habitat shelter who are fleeing violence.

Toy drives and other charitable holiday initiatives can also be found at other Cadillac Fairview properties across Canada.

“This holiday season, Cadillac Fairview is partnering with frontline community organizations across the country to deliver meaningful support to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, from children living in shelters to seniors without family nearby,” a Cadillac Fairview spokesperson told CTVNews.ca.

Lethbridge Family Services

Lethbridge Family Services in Alberta has been running angel tree campaigns since 1992. To apply or donate, visit the charitable organization’s website. You can also pick an angel online.

Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold

Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold in Ontario is collecting toys and warm winter accessories for children through its “Adopt an Angel” program. The campaign accepts new and unwrapped toys for babies and children up to age 12. Learn more online.

BGC Ottawa

BGC Ottawa’s angel tree program provides gifts to nearly 2,000 children and teens per year. You can donate funds or drop off gifts for young people ages six to 18. BGC Ottawa falls under the umbrella of the non-profit formerly known as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada.

Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society

The angel tree program run by the Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society is accepting donations of money and toys. You can also sign up to host a toy drive or shop a specific wish list for a child or family in need. Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society serves the Ontario counties Hastings, Prince Edward and Northumberland.

Caring and Sharing Food Bank

Located in Nova Scotia, the Caring and Sharing Food Bank is hosting angel trees with wish lists at several businesses in Lantz, Enfield and Elmsdale. You can also choose to adopt a family or individual to help them with food and gifts over the holidays. Learn more on their website.