You are invited to participate in the 2025 MUMC Angel Tree. This is our 16th year running this program and partnering with local organizations to make an impact on the lives of families in our area. This year we are teaming up with Maker’s Place and , Wesley UMC in Trenton, and Urban Promise in Camden.
We are also teaming up with the Medford Police for Operation Santa. Speak to an Outreach representative at the Operation Santa table after either church service to select from the gifting opportunities. There is limited availability in this program, and the gifts must be returned to MUMC by Dec. 5.
Your gift may be the only gift that some of these children receive. Click on the menu under Learn More to get a better understanding of these important missions.
This year we have both physical and virtual opportunities to be an angel. You can visit the Angel Tree display in either the Family Life Center or the Sanctuary Narthex to choose a child to support, or you can sign up online to provide a gift. Continue reading to learn more!
To make a monetary donation to be used for gifts:
- CLICK HERE to proceed to PUSH PAY, our secure online giving system and make a donation to Angel Tree. Our Youth Group will use these funds to choose gifts for the children.
To sign up online (without pulling an angel from the tree):
- CLICK HERE to begin the gift selection process…but read the suggestions below first!
When taking an angel from the tree:
- Choose an angel for the age group(s) you would like to purchase
- Provide name, email, cell phone#, and how many angels you would like to purchase in this age group
- Leave angel receipt with Angel Tree team member or in the box below the Christmas Tree.
- Take the angel with shopping recommendations with you.
- Return gift(s) to narthex or FLC no later than December 14th, and attach the angel with your name (or sticky note with your name) to the gift(s)
- Alternately, you can choose an angel with a QR code, and sign up directly online
Gift Suggestions:
Since we do not know at this time the exact ages and genders of the children we are serving, we are asking that we primarily buy gifts that would be appropriate for either gender. You may buy the gifts on your own, or you can go onto our Amazon Shopping List .
General suggestions:
- Toys appropriate for either gender
- Don’t require batteries
- Require minimal adult supervision
- Easy to clean
- Can be played with independently or (possibly) with another person
- Worth approximately $25.00
Age 0-4
- Blanket and small washable stuffed animal or infant toy
- Toddler appropriate toys, puzzles
- Duplos or toddler appropriate building toys
Age 5-7
- Washable stuffed animals
- Building toys (legos, K’nex, magnatiles, etc…)
- Playdough and accessories
- Balls
- Puzzles
- Play sets that encourage imaginative play (sets with animals, vehicles, etc…)
Age 8-10
- Craft and Science and play kits that require minimal adult supervision
- Building toys (legos, K’nex, magnatiles, etc…)
- Balls
- Puzzles
Age 11 and up
- $25 gift certificates for Target or Walmart
The last day to return gifts to the church is Sunday, December 14th. Question? Visit our Angel FAQs. If the FAQs don’t help, drop us a note using the Angel Tree Contact Form email [email protected] with Angel Tree in the subject, or call the church office.
Makers Place
The Maker’s Place is a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to the city of Trenton. We are affiliated with A Future with Hope, and are members of the National Diaper Bank Network. We serve and partner with people of all faiths and none. Launched in July 2018 our vision is broad: to become a resource center that connects neighbors with neighbors in diverse and inclusive community, by responding to the gifts and aspirations of people living in poverty. Originally intended to collect 10,000 diapers for a community birthday party for one year-olds, the Maker’s Place collected 100,000 diapers during our first collection drive. With so many diapers left over, we launched what is now our flagship initiative: our “Diaper Depot,” a diaper distribution program that gives away thousands of free diapers each month to families who struggle to provide enough diapers for their children. In addition to diapers, we partner with a number of local groups to support distribution of baby formula, gently used children’s clothing, early childhood books, self-care programming for mothers and caregivers, and free feminine hygiene products. [Back to Top]
Operation Santa
Operation Santa is run by the Medford Police Department, and gives us the opportunity to support children in need right in our local community. We are provided with the age and gender information for a limited number of local children each year. In addition to purchasing gifts, there is an opportunity to participate in a wrapping party. Details for this event will be provided in the weekly newsletter and announcements at the beginning of each service. If you would be interested in joining a team from our church to help prepare for this event, please email us at [email protected]. [Back to Top]
Wesley UMC
Iglesia Metodista Unida Wesley/Wesley UMC is a vibrant Hispanic church in Trenton led by Pastor Rosemary Rentas and a very involved and dedicated laity. This is our 16th year partnering with Wesley and it is a great pleasure to watch this ministry grow in their church home on Liberty Street in Trenton. This year our goal is to provide 150 gifts for Wesley to distribute to children and youth in the surrounding community. [Back to Top]
Urban Promise
Urban Promise is a non-profit Christian organization in Camden led by the Reverend Bruce Main. The Urban Promise mission is to equip Camden’s children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth and Christian leadership. Summer programming, after-school support and the Urban Promise Academy all provide opportunities for children to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment, as well as providing the largest teen employment in the city of Camden. MUMC youth will use a portion of the money donated to Angel Tree to purchase gifts for the Urban Promise Christmas store to support children served by this program. [Back to Top]
