The Salvation Army Central Virginia’s beloved Angel Tree Program is once again turning compassion into Christmas joy across Central Virginia. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, volunteers and community partners, more than 4,500 children and seniors will wake up on Christmas morning to wrapped gifts, warm coats, and the reminder that they are not forgotten.
“Every angel and silver bell on our trees represents a child or senior facing financial hardship this season,” said Major Christine Kim, Area Commander for The Salvation Army Central Virginia. “When community members adopt these angels, they’re not just buying gifts—they’re giving hope and restoring dignity.”
In-person and online adoptions start November 3, and all gifts must be returned by December 4 to ensure timely distribution. Angel (children) and Silver Bell (seniors) tags with wish lists appear in local malls, businesses and online throughout the holiday season. Community members select an angel, purchase the requested gifts and return them unwrapped to collection points. Adoption and drop-off locations are listed on www.salvationarmycentralva.org.
Ways You Can Help This Season
- Adopt an Angel online or in person beginning November 3.
- Donate through the Walmart Angel Tree Registry to stock the Christmas Warehouse — gifts ship directly to the Christmas Center.
- Volunteer to help roll, sort, or distribute gifts during December.
Every small act helps bring warmth, dignity, and joy to a local family this Christmas.
“The magic happens when we see parents’ faces light up knowing their children will have a special Christmas,” added Major Kim. “Our donors and volunteers give dignity and joy to families during challenging times and create memories that last a lifetime.”
This year’s effort is made possible through partnerships with the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund, 12 On Your Side, Fox Richmond, Page Auto Group, Puritan Cleaners, Great Big Greenhouse, Marco’s Pizza, Wegmans and Ashley Stewart, along with many other community supporters.
The community’s generosity continues year-round. The Christmas in July campaign and Marco’s Pizza’s ongoing fundraiser—donating 15% of orders using code SalArmyRVA—help sustain the program and ensure that “no angel is a forgotten angel.”
To adopt an Angel, volunteer or learn more, visit www.salvationarmycentralva.org or call 804-225-7470. Follow @SalArmyRVA for updates and stories of holiday hope.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. Since 1885, The Salvation Army Central Virginia has been serving the Richmond area, and today, meets needs across 16 localities through the Men and Families Housing First Shelter, Inclement Weather Shelter, food assistance, canteen ministry, rent and utility assistance, Red Shield Youth Center and the Corps/Church. For more information, visit salvationarmycentralva.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn @SalArmyRVA and #DoingTheMostGood.
