From shoppers ignoring angel trees to TikTok debates over viral videos, the focus has shifted away from the children these trees are meant to help.
At 14 years old, I was a recipient of Angel Tree donations. While I was truly grateful, it was clear that some of the gifts I received lacked thought.
Each holiday season, Angel Trees appear in malls, schools, community centers and, most famously, Walmart. Decorated with paper tags listing the wishes of children in need, these trees are meant to spread generosity during the holidays.
These trees were created to help families in need, yet year after year many of those tags remain untouched.
Now, instead of sparking action, angel trees have become the center of a social media trend, and the attention has only made the problem worse.
Recently, TikTok influencers have gone viral for filming videos contributing to the Angel Tree program. Because of these viral videos, the act has become a trend but instead of creating positive awareness, it has sparked backlash for the content creators.
These creators are accused of participating for clout or criticism on their shopping choices. Although it may be true, it distracts from the true meaning of what this is about: helping those in need.
This situation is a prime example that the culture this generation has created has gone too far.
So what if influencers and celebrities are doing it because it became a trend? Even if their intentions are questioned, these viral moments have still brought awareness and donations to children who need them, and that matters.
However, awareness alone is not enough. It is just as important to donate thoughtfully. Even though these influencers and this trend have sparked many donations, it is still extremely urgent to do it right.
Over the years, many people do not donate to their full potential when it comes to giving around the holidays. Any donation is appreciated, but if you are able to give better, then give better.
People should not donate with the mindset that children in need will be grateful for anything. Instead, donors should give what they themselves would want to receive.
“Please, Please, Please” do not forget teenagers are children too. Often teenagers are overlooked in programs like these and do not receive gifts that would actually be used by them.
Children appreciate generosity, but they can tell the difference between something given from the heart and something given just to check a box.
What gets lost in both the ignoring and the online drama are the children themselves. These tags do not represent trends or content opportunities; they represent kids hoping for a jacket, shoes or a simple toy.
For some, an angel tree gift is the only present they will receive. While people argue online or scroll past in person, those children are left waiting.
Angel Trees are meant to be a reminder that the holidays are about spreading love and giving. As a community, people are meant to help one another, not argue over something becoming a trend or how someone is participating.
If you are willing to contribute to this organization and help those in need, do it out of love and kindness. When you give a gift to a loved one, you do not rush it. You put thought and care into it, so do the same when donating.
Angel trees do not need views, likes or debates. They need people willing to stop, read a tag and act. Only then do they serve the purpose they were meant for.
