Arrowleaf Angel Tree Program sees record demand, seeks community help by Dec. 10
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — Arrowleaf’s annual Angel Tree program is facing an unprecedented level of need this holiday season, with referrals for 505 children across the Southern Seven counties of Illinois and additional families being turned away due to limited capacity.
The program pairs community donors with families experiencing crisis—such as serious medical issues, unemployment, or homelessness—to provide holiday gifts for children. Parents and guardians consent to participation and supply basic information to guide gift selection.
“In more than 20 years of coordinating the Angel Tree program, I have never seen a need like this year,” said Marsha Hayes, Angel Tree program coordinator. “We already have referrals for 505 children, and we are still having to turn away families. Many cards are still hanging on our trees, and we are genuinely worried we won’t have enough support to meet the need.”
Each Angel Tree card includes a child’s age, gender, clothing sizes and a short wish list of up to six items. Donors are asked to plan for about $100 per child to ensure meaningful gifts.
Angel Tree cards are available at:
- Arrowleaf Administrative Office, 300 Red Bud Lane, Vienna
- Clyffe Café, 100 Oliver Street, Vienna
- Banterra Bank, Main Street, Vienna
Unwrapped gifts should be returned to Arrowleaf’s Administrative Office. The deadline to return gifts is December 10, 2025. Arrowleaf staff will coordinate pickup with parents and guardians before the holidays.
“We know everyone is pressed right now and that the dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to,” Hayes said. “But even one card, one child, or one donation can make an enormous difference for a family that’s struggling to hold things together this season.”
Monetary donations are also accepted. Arrowleaf will shop on behalf of donors:
Call 618-658-3079 for information, card pickup or donation arrangements.
Give online at Donate | Arrowleaf.org and select “Angel Tree program.”
