ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 is kicking off the annual Salvation Army Angel Tree program to get results for families across Central Florida. It’s a campaign that lasts about four weeks and the results are nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
In 2024, 6,000 kids and senior citizens in Central Florida had something special to open all thanks to the generosity of News 6 viewers and community partners.
From kick-off day in mid-November at the Mall at Millenia, people across Central Florida can adopt the perfect angel from trees at the Mall at Millenia, Chick-Fil-A restaurants and online.
[Angel Tree 2025: How to help children, seniors in Central Florida]
Each angel’s name, age and clothing size are all listed on their wish list tag.
“It doesn’t matter what’s in that bag, I know its gonna put a smile on my son’s face,” said one 2024 Angel Tree recipient. “I know he’s going to see the effort, he’s gonna know that I came through for him this year.”
All the gifts are purchased, packed and delivered to the Salvation Army’s so-called Joy Center for distribution day.
It’s a day News 6 looks forward to every year as we watch hundreds of bicycles roll in and roll out. There are stuffed stockings and bags full of gifts. We met one mom last year who was battling brain cancer.
“What I teach all my kids is that Christmas is not about receiving gifts, just be thankful that you are able to see Christmas,” she told us.
Dozens of volunteer elves make their list and check it twice giving countless hours to match the right gifts with the right angel before they head out to their new home.
“You know its the season of giving and I said ‘let me find something to do and give my time,’” said one Salvation Army volunteer.
For more information on this year’s Angel Tree program, click here.
[WATCH BELOW: New Salvation Army leaders prepare for Angel Tree program in Orange, Osceola counties]
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.