TikTok influencer and Spartanburg native, Jorden Hall, goes viral for Angel Tree shopping

Jorden Hall, 26, began her career as a social media influencer on TikTok in March of 2020, during the pandemic when life was at a standstill.

When her TikTok page blew up with thousands of views and likes, Hall knew she could use her platform to also bring positivity to others, all across the world. One recent video she created was of her shopping for Angel Tree gifts, a program through the Salvation Army to give to children in need.

Not only did Hall's video gain 7.1 million views, but she hopes it inspired others to spread joy and love for others in their community.

The reason for the season

Hall began her TikTok page as a lifestyle and body positivity influencer, showing girls where they can find different types of fashion. She decided she wanted to do something for Christmas, and had the idea to go to Walmart to find an Angel Tree.

"My mom and dad are really focused on giving back at this time of year," Hall said. "I decided to go and give back, with my own big girl money. I feel like people see the tree in Walmart, but they just don't really know what it's about."

The Angel Tree Program helps provide Christmas gifts for children around the country. Children of low-income families write Christmas lists which are shared with donors in the community.

Hall chose to donate to four kids: two 5-year-olds, a 4-year-old and a 13-year-old. She bought them dolls, art supplies, Legos, trucks, coats and an electric toothbrush that the 13-year-old only requested.

"It just happened to go viral," Hall said. "I wasn't the one who first started the trend, but I guess I resurrected it. I'm so glad it did (go viral), because it brought a whole lot of people to the program. I liked reading the comments of people saying they were an angel tree kid themselves, and how much it really helped their families out."

Even after the video went viral, Hall was still interested in the Angel Tree Program. She volunteered her time at the Salvation Army's angel tree distribution.

"I was able to see the behind-the-scenes of it, learn more about it, and hand out the presents to the parents," Hall said. "It was in a gym, filled with bags of toys. They (the parents) were so grateful, and it was great to see the community come together. There's a lot of programs out there for donations at this time (of year), and you don't think about where these donations are actually going."

Hall said that out of all of her videos to reach millions of views, she's glad that it was her Angel Tree one. Now, thousands of people have been influenced to participate in the programs.

"With each person who saw the video, hopefully, another family can be blessed this Christmas," Hall said.

Influencing the Internet to give back

Hall said she saw others online give advice and offer ideas for what some children may like.

"At one point, I had gotten the wrong sized pants and I didn't know they made teen-sized pants," Hall said. "A lot of people helped me, and I was grateful for that. A lot of people were wanting to help me with it, especially since I'm not a mom myself."

With social media, Hall said a lot of negativity can come with it. Hall said that it's great to see people coming together, and wanting to spread positivity.

"If you show positivity, children will grow up and also give back," Hall said. "A lot of the comments said 'I can't wait to be in a position to be able to give back' and there are a lot of ways to give back, even if you can't financially."

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: TikTok influencer Jorden Hall gives back for Angel Tree trend