Angel Trees surround the McHenry area for people to, “adopt an angel,” and give them a well deserved, stress free holiday.
According to the Salvation Army, their Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children in need each year. Many stores around town have hosted these Angel Trees in hopes to reach as many kids as possible this holiday season. Every child deserves to feel the wonder of Christmas, and that is what the Angel Tree is all about.
Families would register for assistance with their wishlists and they would be put on the “angel tags” for the donors to shop. Everything is anonymous except for clothes sizes and age.
Here at MCHS, there is actually a Giving Tree Event that was created back in 2004 by Veronica Eggert who is an MCHS social worker and JR Bocian who is a school counselor.
Back when this event started, it began by providing holiday food baskets to just a few families, but as time went on, the event evolved into something more.
“The program has continued to grow each year,” says Eggert. “Now in its 21st year, the Giving Tree has become a cherished annual tradition. What started with just 10 families in 2004 has expanded significantly thanks to ongoing community support.”
Last year, the Giving Tree was able to give out gifts to over 68 students and their siblings. That raised over $4,000 in donations, collecting more than 272 gifts.
This year, that number only continues to rise.
“In 2025, we served over 40 families,” says Eggert. “82 youth received gifts and more than 336 total gifts were provided.”
The generosity given by many MCHS faculty, staff, students, and many other organizations make this event possible, and Eggert expresses her gratitude.
Participating in an Angel tree is an amazing opportunity as that kindness can go a long way.
“Everybody should have something special on Christmas,” says Kayleigh Jensen, a building substitute here at MCHS. “It is always exciting to have something to open, and if someone has the means to help somebody else have that feeling this holiday season, is really special.”
“Money always comes back,” continues Jensen. “If you can go out of your way during this season of giving to help a family in need feel the joy of Christmas, I think that is enough.”