City Launches Virtual Gift Giving Tree for Holidays
The City of El Paso's annual program lets residents buy requested gifts for 14 local organizations and City departments serving vulnerable residents.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
The City of El Paso has launched its annual Virtual Gift Giving Tree for the holiday season. Residents select a gift tag online, purchase the requested item, and must drop off wrapped gifts by Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
Why it matters
The program directs holiday gifts to children, seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable residents through local organizations and City departments. Its multi-decade tradition gives local donors a structured way to contribute to community needs.
The program has operated for more than 30 years and benefits 14 local organizations and City departments through six drop-off locations. The announcement did not disclose how many gifts have been requested or the total value of donations expected.
The players
City of El Paso
El Paso is a major city in West Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border that administers the Gift Giving Tree program.
Department of Community and Human Development
The City department that organizes the Virtual Gift Giving Tree program and coordinates its beneficiary organizations.
The details
Residents visit the Virtual Gift Giving Tree online, choose a gift tag, and buy the requested item. Wrapped gifts are then dropped off at fire stations and City facilities, including City Hall, by the Friday, Dec. 4 deadline.
Timeline
Nov. 8, 2026: City of El Paso announces the Virtual Gift Giving Tree launch.
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026: Deadline to drop off wrapped gifts.
Philanthropy Context
The virtual format extends the City's more than 30-year Gift Giving Tree tradition into an online platform. It continues a long-standing municipal approach of channeling holiday donations through city departments to local service organizations.
Residents can participate by purchasing a requested gift online and dropping it off at a listed fire station or City facility before the deadline. Participation directly supplies holiday gifts to children, seniors, and veterans served by local organizations.
The takeaway
Residents who want to help this holiday season can select a gift tag on the Virtual Gift Giving Tree, purchase the item, and drop it off wrapped by Dec. 4. Choosing a requested item directly matches a specific need among local beneficiaries.
What happens next
Wrapped gifts must be dropped off at designated City locations by Friday, Dec. 4, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more local giving opportunities in El Paso Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
