VIENNA – Arrowleaf’s annual Angel Tree holiday program is facing a record-breaking year of need, with 505 children referred for gifts from across the Southern 7 counties of Illinois—and more families still being turned away due to limited capacity.
Angel Tree helps families experiencing crisis—such as serious medical issues, unemployment, homelessness, or other difficult circumstances—by connecting them with community donors who provide holiday gifts for their children. Parents and guardians provide permission for their child to participate and share 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 help ensure each child receives meaningful gifts.
Angel Tree card locations:
• Arrowleaf Administrative Office – 300 Red Bud Lane, Vienna, IL
• Clyffe Cafe – 100 Oliver Street, Vienna, IL
• Banterra Bank – Main Street, Vienna, IL
Once shoppers have selected and purchased gifts, unwrapped gifts should be dropped off at their Administrative Office in Vienna. Arrowleaf staff will arrange for parents and guardians to pick up the gifts before the holidays. The deadline to return gifts is December 10, 2025.
“We know everyone is pressed right now and that the dollar just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to,” Hayes added. “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 Welcome
For those who prefer not to shop themselves, Arrowleaf will shop on behalf of donors:
• Call 618-658-3079 to learn more about the program, arrange for a card pick-up, or make a monetary donation.
• Give Online: Visit https://myarrowleaf.org/donate/ and select “Angel Tree program” so staff will know to use your gift for holiday shopping for these children.