Every December, the courtyard at Immaculate-La Salle High School transforms into a hub of generosity as students gather around the annual Angel Tree, a long-standing tradition led by the school’s SALTT club. What begins as a simple paper angel pinned to a vibrant Christmas display, quickly becomes a lifeline of joy for an immigrant child in need.
The Angel Tree project pairs La Salle students with children from local immigrant schools. Each “angel” contains the name, age, and wish list of a child who might otherwise go without a gift during the holidays. Students select an angel during the school’s festive presentation event, taking on the responsibility of purchasing the Christmas items the child dreams of receiving.
Once students pick their angel, the real work begins. They shop for toys, clothes, or necessities tailored to their assigned child’s requests, making sure each gift feels personal and heartfelt. After the presents are wrapped and collected, members of SALTT travel to the immigrant schools to deliver them directly—an experience that often leaves volunteers just as moved as the recipients.
Junior Victoria Volum believes the initiative reaches far beyond the school’s walls. “I think Angel Tree is a great way to give back to kids in need all over the world,” she said. “Even though we’re helping children right here in our community, it connects us to a larger mission of compassion.”
The delivery day is often described as the heart of the program. Students witness children’s reactions as they unwrap gifts they never expected to receive. Some children meet a volunteer who shares a language with them; others simply beam with excitement at the surprise of Christmas arriving early.
“I feel this event is truly a blessing for both the kids and us,” said junior Teresa Kurishingal. “While they get to experience the joy of Santa and opening presents, we get to be part of something wholesome and get to learn the joy of donating and contributing.”
Through Angel Tree, Immaculata-La Salle continues to nurture a spirit of empathy, reminding students that generosity—especially during the holidays—has the power to transform lives on both sides of the gift.
