Mother’s search for Angel Tree donor goes viral, leads to heartfelt connection
By Penelope Lopez
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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — A North Carolina mother’s TikTok video has gone viral after she shared her search for the woman who donated Christmas gifts to her young son through the Angel Tree program. What started as a simple plea for help turned into an unexpected bond between two mothers, united by love, loss, and an act of kindness.
Tanya Estrada, a mother of four, had signed her children up for the Angel Tree program, which helps provide new clothes and toys for children in need during the holiday season. It’s a program that turns Christmas wishes into reality for families who may be struggling.
But one particular donation stood out. When Tanya received the gifts for her 3-year-old son, Adrienne, she discovered a handwritten letter attached to the package. The note was from Andrea Gardner, a grieving mother honoring her late son, Tristan.
“I was shopping for him because I don’t get to shop for him for Christmas or for birthdays,” an emotional Gardner said. “It made me feel good to shop for a 3-year-old little boy.”
Estrada was deeply moved by the letter, which spoke to Gardner’s pain and compassion. “The fact that even in her grieving moment, you went out of your way to bless another child, you don’t even know… it takes a very strong woman to do what you did,” Estrada said, fighting back tears.
Determined to thank the woman behind such a powerful gesture, Estrada turned to TikTok for help, asking her followers to track down Gardner. “So, I need y’all help,” Estrada said in her now-viral video. It quickly gained traction, racking up more than 600,000 views, and soon, Estrada’s plea reached Gardner.
“I knew I had to find her,” Estrada said, explaining how she had tried other avenues before deciding to use social media. “I’ve seen people try to reach out to other people on TikTok. So I said, let me use TikTok for something good.”
When Estrada finally connected with Gardner, it was a moment neither mother would forget. In a heartfelt meeting, the two embraced, sharing tears and gratitude.
“I don’t want to let go,” Estrada said, as she hugged Gardner for the first time.
The connection between the two mothers grew even deeper as they shared their personal stories of love and loss. Gardner explained that donating to Estrada’s son helped her honor Tristan’s memory during a difficult time.
“I wasn’t expecting anything out of this,” Gardner said. “Just his Christmas and helping you … making you feel like someone cares.”
Estrada was so moved by the experience that she now feels inspired to give back next year.
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