RISE Foundation’s “Christmas Angels 2025” aims to brighten holidays for 500 children

GREAT BAY--The RISE Foundation proudly announces the launch of Christmas Angels 2025, a community-centered initiative designed to brighten the holiday season for more than 500 children, differently-abled persons, seniors, and vulnerable individuals across the island.

The program officially begins on Wednesday, November 26, with the first self-service Christmas tree available at TelEm, followed by in-person locations from November 27 to December 1, and extended self-service access through December 8.

Christmas Angels forms part of RISE Foundation’s Season of Light pillar, which focuses on uplifting families and individuals during the holiday season through community involvement, compassion, and direct giving.

The process is simple: community members select a handmade angel from any participating location, purchase a gift for the individual the angel represents—using the suggested ideas provided—and return the gift to the same location by the stated deadline. This direct exchange allows the public to personally brighten the Christmas of someone within the community.

This year’s angels were created by participants from 13 organizations and schools, including community-based partners such as 721 Kids Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, Sister Basilia Center, Ujima Foundation, Leaders For Change Foundation, and Foster Care (Judicial & Institutional Services), along with public and private schools such as ACE Foundation, Leonald Conner School, Marie G. De Weever School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, Prins Willem Alexander School, Ruby Labega School, and Oranje School. Together, they represent more than 500 individuals across the island.

To make participation accessible across St. Maarten, Christmas Angels will be available at seven locations island-wide, covering major districts from Philipsburg to Bush Road, Simpson Bay, and Cole Bay. From November 27 to December 1, community members will be able to pick an angel in person at the Government Administration Building, Cost U Less, and Super City, with operating hours shared on the RISE Foundation’s social media platforms. In addition to the in-person opportunities, self-service trees will be available from November 26 to December 8 at TelEm’s Philipsburg and Simpson Bay offices, from November 28 to December 8 at La Sucrière Bakery, and from November 29 to December 8 at Princess Juliana International Airport. These extended locations allow individuals to select and return angels at their convenience throughout the two-week period.

Before the gifts are purchased and the angels are selected, it is important to remember that every angel represents someone in our community—a child or teenager, a differently-abled youth or adult, a senior, or an individual navigating mental health challenges. Each one is a real person hoping for a brighter Christmas, and it is this human connection that lies at the heart of the program.

During recent visits to several of the participating organizations, the RISE team witnessed moments that reflected the true spirit of the program, including:

At Marie G. de Weever Primary School, one student proudly held up his angel and said, “I liked when I was coloring the angel, and I hope someone picks me so that I can be supported.”

“We made these angels for you. We hope you appreciate it, and I hope you buy our gift. God bless your heart.” shared a participant from 721 Kids Foundation.

And at the Mental Health Foundation, Valencia Chambers-Hixon shared how meaningful the project has been for her clients. “These beautiful angels were created by our clients with so much love, creativity, and emphasis. This promotes inclusion, raises awareness, and gives them hope knowing the community is involved in something they made. It brings more meaningfulness and joy for Christmas.

Community members are encouraged to take part by selecting an angel, purchasing a gift, and returning it during the designated period. Those who wish to support the initiative in another way may make a financial contribution, which helps cover gifts for unselected angels as well as logistical expenses, volunteer support, outreach, and promotional efforts to ensure no beneficiary is left out. Individuals, families, companies, and groups also have the opportunity to volunteer between November 27 and December 1 at the in-person locations by contacting the RISE Foundation to register their availability.

For more information about the project, or about donating, volunteering, or general inquiries, contact us at +1-721-584-7473 or +1-721-523-8421, email team@risesxm.org or message us on Facebook and Instagram at @risesxm.

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