The Reason for the Season: Fontbonne’s Angel Tree Is Back!

Isabella Belfiore '26

Each year the National Honor Society conducts an Angel Tree toy drive. The ornately decorated tree stands tall in the foyer, dressed in vibrantly colored angels designed by the NHS members. Each angel is labelled with desired items for children whose families have limited means and are unable to provide Christmas presents. This initiative allows Fontbonne students to liveout their commitment to volunteer work, while brightening the holiday season for countless children in need.

Angel Trees can often be found in stores such as Walmart, where people purchase items in the store that are listed on the ticket. Having our own angel tree at Fontbonne is particularly special, as it gives our community the opportunity to come together in the name of serving others, an ideology instilled in our Catholic institution. 

Through the month of December, students can take an ornament from the tree and purchase the item that is labelled on the angel. They will then place the gift under the tree. The wrapped gift is unlabelled, demonstrating the morality in completing a good deed without seeking any sort of recognition in return. 

Molly Fox, National Honor Society Historian, along with numerous other members found this initiative extremely meaningful. Fox passionately explained, “I think Angel Trees are so meaningful because they are such a local and personal way to give back. You’re not donating to something abstract—you’re fulfilling a direct request from a child who just wants one present for Christmas. Our Angel Tree at Fontbonne gives us an easy and meaningful way to give back. These kids aren’t asking for extravagance—there’s simply one gift they’re hoping to open on Christmas morning. And you, a random high school student, get to be the reason that happens. You get to choose tangible kindness. I’m genuinely grateful that we get to participate in something like this—to give back to a child and help make their Christmas special.” 

Molly’s insight demonstrates that this initiative is not only impactful for the child receiving the gift but will also have a lasting effect on the giver. Giving leaves a sensation of fulfillment and fills the hearts of individuals like Molly. 

Fontbonne’s Angel Tree is so much more than a tradition. It is a reminder that a selfless action can go a long way and foster a sense of community that is rooted in the power of giving.