Area Angel Tree Programs Benefit Local Families

By Lyndsey Summers, lsummers@mckenziebanner.com • December 2, 2025 • Updated July 12, 2026

From the Dec 2, 2025 e-Edition

TCAT-Henry/Carroll’s Angel Tree supports the children of TCAT students.

As Christmas day inches closer, many people begin to feel a desire to give back to their community. This time of year is considered the season of giving, after all. Several area businesses and organizations have set up ways in which the community can help out this season, including by setting up Angel Tree donation spots.

The Angel Tree program has been going on in McKenzie since 1996. It was started by the ladies service organization of Beta Sigma Phi. The ladies work with area churches and do fundraisers throughout the year to purchase gifts. Their biggest fundraiser is Breakfast with Santa. The last 2 years they have shared families with the McKenzie Police & Fire’s “Shop with a First Responder” program.

Nationally, the Angel Tree campaign, often led by the Salvation Army, is a way for donors to send Christmas gifts to “angels” in need — typically children or senior citizens. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children in need each year, according to the Salvation Army website.

To donate to local angels, people may pick a tag off the Angel Tree located inside an establishment. The tags usually list the recipient’s age, his or her gender and a brief wishlist. The Angel Tree coordinator distributes the donated gifts to the families in need, allowing parents and caregivers to place the presents under their tree on Christmas morning.

Locally, there are several establishments that have set up Angel Trees.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) - Henry/Carroll campus in McKenzie has an Angel Tree set up in its front lobby.

This tree’s angels are children and direct family members of TCAT students. The deadline to donate to TCAT-Henry/Carroll’s program is December 12.

McKenzie’s Beta Sigma Phi organization is also accepting Angel Tree donations this month. For more information, contact Beta Sigma Phi representative Jennifer Waldrup at McKenzie City Hall.

Partnering with the Salvation Army, Walmart stores in Huntingdon and Paris each have an Angel Tree set up inside on the front wall facing the checkout lines. Through Walmart, donors may give gifts to children and/or senior citizens in need. Donors may also visit the Salvation Army website to find additional participating Walmart stores or to donate online.

The Carroll County Humane Society introduced an alternative Angel Tree program, called “Shelter Angel,” this year, asking for donations for their pets. These tags identify the gift recipients by their animal type and ask for donations of food, treats, toys, collars and more.

There are many ways to give this season, and donating to your local Angel Tree program is a start.

Print Issue: 12-25-25