Hope Tree

2026 HOPE TREE DATES: November 14 - December 6

Why we love Hope Tree

Because He loved us first, we love our community freely. Hope Tree lets us give, with no strings attached, to someone in need. It's the chance to spread joy to others because we believe every family we shop for should be celebrated.

Hope Tree

How Hope Tree Works

Our volunteer team partners with local school social workers to ensure the anonymity of each family. While the social worker knows their identity, our team knows each family by an ID and a wish list. Each family is asked to share up to two needs (something that sustains life) and two wants (something that enriches life). These lists are turned into ornament tags and hung on Christmas trees. Then, Autumn Ridge Church guests can choose an ornament tag, shop for a minimum of one need and one want per family, and return the gifts no later than Sunday, December 6. Our volunteer team will organize, prep, and store each gift until they are safely delivered to their designated schools.
Hope Tree

Our Goal for Hope Tree

We want Hope Tree is to be a no-strings-attached gift of generosity, provision, and joy. While the families are all associated with a school, they may be families as well as the student who attends. Because we strive for Hope Tree to be an anonymous gift from anonymous givers, we do not include Bibles, church logos, or Christian messaging with the gifts (unless it is listed as a wish list item). As love is our agenda, we invite you to join us in Hope Tree this year!
Hope Tree

Important Dates for Hope Tree

Collection and Due Dates

  • Hope Tree launches November 14-15

  • Hope Tree gifts are due back to ARC by Sunday, December 6

  • Please return gifts to the Gym Lobby gift receiving tables, beginning November 28-29
    Any gifts returned to ARC during the week should be dropped off at the reception desk, Monday-Friday (9am-4pm)

Volunteer

Ready to join the team? Volunteer behind-the-scenes with Hope Tree.

Got Questions?

Send us a note with your questions (be sure to check out the FAQs below).

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FAQs

How many gifts should I purchase for my family?

Purchase a minimum of one Need and one Want from your family's list. You’re welcome to gift your family with more from their list, if you are able!

How much will adopting an family cost?

It will vary. Each family was asked for their lists with each item being a maximum of $50. Most items are less than $50 each.

Should I provide a Gift Receipt?

A gift receipt can be helpful, but is not required.

Can a small group adopt an family?

Yes! Families, small groups, or friends can adopt a family together.

What if I can’t find an item on my family's wish list?

When in doubt, a gift card is a great solution!

Now that I selected my family, what do I do?

Review your family's list of Needs & Wants to ensure you’re comfortable purchasing a minimum of 1 Need & 1 Want from their list. Start praying for your family! Go shopping! Return the new, unwrapped items to the designated drop-off locations by December 6 during one of our drop-off weekends. Please label the bag(s) with your family's ID, found on the top of your family's tag.

Do I wrap the gifts for my family?

No, please do not gift wrap the items for your family. The social workers directly in contact with the family will discern how best to present the items to each family.

Can I give used items?

Please only provide new items still in their original packaging unless your family has specifically asked for a “used” item.

My family asked for a gift card. How much should it be for?

All wish list items are a max of $50 each.

Can I drop off my items whenever I purchase them?

Way to be a go getter! Bring your family's items to the specified drop-off locations on the Drop Off Weekends of November 28-29 or December 5-6. The final Drop Off Day is December 6. No drop offs until November 28, please.

What are joggers?

Joggers are a very popular style of sweatpants that taper at the ankle.

Do some families have larger lists than others?

Each list represents specifically what each family requested. Each list is as unique as each family.

How are the families selected?

Very intentionally! The social workers from each school/ministry have selected the most vulnerable in their care who are in the greatest need. The social workers work directly with each family and know their life circumstances.

May I add something that’s not on my family's wish list?

Your generosity is greatly appreciated, but please keep all gifts limited to the specific items requested by your family.

Who delivers the items to the families?

The Hope Tree Planning Team and pastors get to connect with the social workers on delivery days! They will personally deliver the Hope Tree gifts to each school/organization.

Any particular type of bag I should bring my family's items in?

Grocery bags will work just fine! No trash bags or gift bags, please.

When do I need to bring my family's items back?

Bring your family's items to the designated drop-off location in the lobby on November 28-29 or December 5-6. The final Drop Off Day is December 6. Please label the bag(s) with your family's Identification Name, which can be found on the top of your family's ornament.

What do I do if I lose my family's ornament tag?

Not to worry! As long as you completely filled out your contact info when you first selected your family from the trees in the lobby, then we can help you locate your family's Identification Name and wish list. Just email missions@autumnridge.church to ask for help.

Are we partnering with any churches this year?

Yes, Autumn RIdge Church (ARC) is partnering with Christ Community Church (CCC) this year! CCC will be working alongside the ARC Hope Tree Planning Team to learn the planning process as well as to adopt Next Chapter Reentry Project, Gibbs Elementary, & Gage Elementary’s Angels.

Who are the families?

The families are your neighbors. They’re students and family members from:

  • Alternative Learning Center (ALC),
  • Bamber Elementary,
  • Harriet Bishop Elementary,
  • Early Childhood,
  • Gage Elementary,
  • Gibbs Elementary,
  • John Marshall High School,
  • Kellogg Middle,
  • Mayo High,
  • Next Chapter Reentry Project (NCRP),
  • Overland Elementary,
  • Phoenix Academy,
  • Riverside Elementary,
  • Willow Creek Middle School
Hope Tree