How to Organize a Giving Tree (aka Angel Tree / Adopt-a-Family)

1. Choose Your Cause: Who Will Your Tree Help? 

Start by selecting the group or cause you want to support. Will your Giving Tree collect gifts for local families, school staff, kids in foster care, seniors, or even pets in shelters? Think about the needs in your community, then partner with a local charity or social services organization to ensure your donations go where they’re needed most.

Pro Tip: Keep it specific! Partnering with a local charity can give you a wish list to work from, which means more targeted, thoughtful giving.

2. Set Up Your Giving Tree – with a Twist! 

Now, it’s time to create your actual Giving Tree. Traditionally, each ornament or hanging tag on the tree represents a wish (or donation request.) Here’s where you can get creative! Go beyond the tree – instead of (or in addition to) a physical tree with typical gift requests, you can:

• Create a virtual Giving Tree via a free online SignUp where donors can “grab” a wish online. Pro Tip: If your list is long and you’re short on time, ask about SignUp’s Concierge Service to set up your Giving Tree SignUp for you.
• Display donation requests on a wall art Christmas tree, a wreath, garland, a giant chalkboard or bulletin board – whatever fits your group's style.
• Experience Gifts: Instead of physical gifts, encourage donations that provide experiences, like museum tickets, nature park passes, or event tickets for underprivileged children and families. Tags could list local experience options.
• Gifts of Time: In addition to requests for material gifts, feature tags with opportunities for people to donate their time – like "Wrap Gifts for a Local Shelter," "Host Storytime for Kids," or "Deliver Meals to Seniors."
• Pet Gifts Tree: Partner with local animal shelters and use your tree to gather supplies like blankets, toys, or food for pets in need. Tags could feature the name and photo of an animal in the shelter, giving the donation a personal touch.
• Do all of the above! Attract more donors by accommodating those who love to see a real tree bloom with tags and those who appreciate the convenience of clicking from their couch, those who prefer to donate their time and those who like to provide actual gifts, those who have their heartstrings pulled by needy animals and those who feel empathy for families in need.

3. Get the Word Out 

Promoting your Giving Tree is essential for getting people excited and involved. Make it easy for participants by providing as much info as early as possible. 

Pro Tip: Use free online SignUps and let SignUp do the reminding for you!

Don’t forget to provide key details for your volunteers and donors:

• Designate a drop-off spot that's easy for people to access.
• Specify if gifts should be wrapped or unwrapped.
• Give clear instructions for labeling each gift so it gets to its intended recipient.
• Set clear deadlines for when gifts need to be dropped off or shipped.
• Communicate the importance of inviting their own crew to participate – the more the merrier the outcome!

Use every channel available to you (and your helpers) to spread the word and explain all the deets of your Giving Tree – here are some suggestions:

• Create a Giving Tree SignUp – enter email addresses and we’ll automatically send your invitations.
• Use the shareable SignUp invitation link to promote on social media, your website, etc.
• Use Canva to make cute social graphics with heartwarming visuals, and share them on all of your social channels.
• Make eye-catching posters to hang at school, work, community center, etc.
• Announce it at events, meetings, anywhere you have the opportunity.

Pro Tip: Share stories! Include real-life examples of how these gifts have made a difference in past years. That emotional pull will encourage more involvement.

4. Organize & Track the Donations 

Keep things running smoothly by having a simple system in place to track who has taken which tag, who has purchased the gifts, and when everything is due back. This is where an online SignUp sheet can be a life-saver – it makes it easy for participants to pick a gift, it helps you stay organized, and it keeps donors and volunteers on track with friendly automated reminders.

5. Celebrate with a Gift Wrapping Party 

Once the gifts are in, why not host a gift-wrapping party? Gather volunteers, crank up the holiday tunes, and turn gift-wrapping into a social event. Not only does it make the job more fun, but it also creates a festive atmosphere that brings the spirit of giving full circle.

Pro Tip: Offer festive snacks and hot cocoa – this will keep spirits high as the ribbons and bows start flying!

6. Deliver the Joy 

Coordinate with your charity partner to arrange gift delivery. Whether you’re delivering gifts yourself or working with a team, seeing the joy that your Giving Tree brings is the best part of the whole process.

Final Touch: Take a moment to reflect on the impact you've made as a group. Whether through thank-you cards or a follow-up email sharing photos and success stories, let everyone involved feel the warmth of making a difference!

Bonus Tips for a Flawless Giving Tree 

Start Early. People get busy, so the sooner you set up your tree, the more time people have to pick a wish and shop.

Stay Organized. Keep track of everything with clear due dates and thank-you notes ready to go.

Have Fun! Make your Giving Tree a celebration of community and kindness, and people will want to be part of it year after year.

With a little planning, your Giving Tree will blossom into a powerful act of kindness that lights up hearts and lives. Ready, set, give!

Free Online Giving Tree SignUps  

SignUp's Holiday Planning & Idea Center

8 SignUp Sheets for Holiday Helpers