JONESBORO, Ark. — The Salvation Army of Jonesboro has opened registration for its annual Angel Tree program, which provides holiday gifts to children in need across Northeast Arkansas. This year, the program is expanding its eligibility requirements to include teenagers, a first for the organization.
Holly McLeod, office coordinator for The Salvation Army of Jonesboro, explained the decision to expand the program to older children. “If you’ve got a household of three kids and one’s 10, one’s 15, one’s 17, you still are going to need help for those older kids,” McLeod said.
Historically, the Angel Tree program has served children up to age 12. This change, along with an increase in overall capacity, will allow more families to benefit from the program. This year, the organization has raised its application limit to 400 households, up from 250 families last year. Each application covers an entire household, meaning the total number of children receiving gifts is expected to reach into the thousands.
Families interested in participating can apply online or through a registration link posted on The Salvation Army of Jonesboro’s Facebook page. Seniors aged 65 and older are also eligible for holiday assistance through the organization’s Silver Bells program.
Certain restrictions apply to this year’s Angel Tree program. Items such as phones will not be considered for approval as gifts. Additionally, families who have participated in the program for the last two consecutive years, in 2024 and 2025, will not be eligible this year to allow more households access to assistance.
The program’s 400 slots are expected to fill quickly. Applicants should anticipate receiving a response by October 1.
For more information or to apply for assistance, prospective participants are encouraged to visit the Salvation Army of Jonesboro’s online resources.
Applications for the Angel Tree program and Silver Bells holiday assistance remain open for a limited time.