Tens of Thousands of Angel Tree Gifts Bring Holiday Joy Across Hawai‘i and Guam

Angel Tree 2025 | The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division

As the holiday season wrapped up across Hawai‘i and Guam, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division saw communities come together through the annual Angel Tree program . Neighbors, businesses, and volunteers helped ensure keiki and kūpuna facing financial hardship received a gift chosen especially for them.

Throughout December, Angel Tree distributions took place at corps locations across the islands and Guam. In total, tens of thousands of gifts were given to 16,435 youth and seniors in Hawai‘i and Guam—reflecting continued growth in need, particularly among kūpuna.

A Community Effort Rooted in Care

Key highlights:

• 16,435 keiki and kūpuna served across Hawai‘i and Guam

• Increased demand reported at every Salvation Army corps location

• Strong partnerships with businesses, schools, and service organizations made the effort possible

Angel Trees appeared at Walmart stores, Central Pacific Bank locations, and other partner sites statewide, making it easy for community members to select Angel Tree tags and donate gifts. On Oʻahu, UPS supported gift pickups across multiple locations, ensuring donations reached corps locations efficiently.

Many Angel Tree gifts met essential needs beyond toys—household items, clothing, and practical supplies. One 73-year-old Kāneʻohe resident shared that this year had been especially difficult. After visiting a Salvation Army food pantry for the first time, she registered a need through Angel Tree. “I put a little money into the Red Kettles over the years, but I never really knew much about what The Salvation Army did,” she said. “This year has been a struggle—and I’m so happy to see this program available for the community.”

Highlights for Each Island’s Angel Tree Program

O‘ahu

The Kāneʻohe Corps served 272 families , with a great partnership with Windward Mall throughout the holiday season.

The Kauluwela Corps distributed gifts to 7,103 individuals , working with more than 20 returning corporate partners. Encouraged by The Salvation Army’s support throughout the year, students from Likelike Elementary raised $225 by hosting a Red Kettle on campus during morning drop-off time.

At the Kroc Center Hawai‘i, more than 2,500 keiki and kūpuna were served during a festive December 20 distribution where families selected personalized gifts for their registered “Angels.”

Hawai‘i County

The Hilo Temple Corps served over 350 individuals , including a 10% increase in senior registrations. Honokaʻa Corps supported 83 families, serving nearly 250 keiki. The Kona Corps distributed gifts to 1,429 keiki and kūpuna , including hospital deliveries and a Kona Police Department “Fill a Cruiser” effort that collected over 900 gifts. On Hawai‘i Island, gift donations increased this year, thanks in part to social media influencers who shared their joy of shopping for and donating Angel Tree gifts.

Kaua‘i County

Līhuʻe Corps distributed gifts to more than 1,000 keiki and kūpuna , with help from local leaders, businesses, and families. Hanapēpē Corps served 373 keiki and kūpuna , a 77% increase from last year. On Kaua‘i, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program partnered with The Salvation Army to support Angel Tree families.

Maui County

Maui County Corps distributed 6,500 gifts to nearly 950 keiki and kūpuna , including seniors at Hale Mahaolu communities. More than 700 gifts were transported across the Pailolo Channel to Moloka‘i on December 10, made possible by Maui County Angel Tree donors and the U.S. Coast Guard Station Maui. Kaunakakai Fire Station firefighters and harbor staff welcomed the delivery and worked alongside The Salvation Army to unload and prepare gifts for Moloka‘i families.

Guam

The Guam Corps served over 1,800 children through a Toy N Joy event and partnerships with local schools, the fire department, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, and KUAM CareForce.

The Need Continues Beyond the Holidays

While Angel Tree concludes in December, community needs continue year-round. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign supports food assistance, housing stability, youth programs, senior services, and recovery programs across Hawai‘i and Guam.

Red Kettles remain at storefronts through Christmas Eve, and Virtual Red Kettles are open through December 31, 2025 , with donations matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000 per kettle.