City Leaders and Guardians of the Children Gather to Commemorate Young Lives at 10th Annual Angel Tree Lighting
Don’t let your silence drown out their cries.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Albuquerque Civic Plaza was illuminated by the glow of the community's 10th Annual Angel Tree, a somber yet hopeful tradition dedicated to the memory of children in the Albuquerque community whose lives were lost to violence and abuse.
The Guardians of the Children (GOC -Rio Grande Chapter) were joined by Albuquerque City Councilors Louie Sanchez (District 1), Dan Champine (District 8), and Renée Grout (District 9), and New Mexico State Representative Nicole Chavez (House District 31), alongside officials from the Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire & Rescue.
The annual Angel Tree Lighting is a time for the community to pause, celebrate, and honor young lives cut tragically short by violence or abuse. Each ornament placed on the tree represents a child "angel," ensuring that while they are gone, their stories and their impact on the community are observed.
View photos from the 2025 Angel Tree Lighting
District 1 City Councilor Louie Sanchez, has been the City Council sponsor of the Angel Tree since his election in November 2021. "It is a profound honor to continue the tradition that Ken Sanchez helped establish ten years ago," Councilor Sanchez said. "This tree and the names on it represent more than a memorial; it is a promise from District 1 and the entire city that we will not forget these children, and we will not stop fighting to keep our youth safe."
A Decade of Remembrance
The Albuquerque Angel Tree tradition was established in 2015 by Guardians of the Children, Rio Grande Chapter, and the late Ken Sanchez, a former City Councilor. What began as a local effort has grown into a decade-long commitment to keeping the memory of these children alive. This year, the GOC added a special ornament to honor unidentified infants who perished without names and without proper burials. GOC has adopted those babies in spirit and with help from a local funeral home, found locations for their remains.
"Every light on this tree represents a life that mattered deeply to our community," said Councilor Renée Grout, District 9. "Standing here with the Guardians of the Children and our first responders, we are reminded that protecting the vulnerable takes all of us working together. We light this tree to ensure their memory shines bright."
The event is a call to action for the community. The mission of Guardians of the Children is to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same. GOC are advocates providing strength and stability to families in crisis, and members strive to answer when any abused child or teen needs courage, support, and protection.
"We all have a responsibility to protect children who have experienced violence and abuse," said District 8 City Councilor Dan Champine. Councilor Champine will be the City Council's sponsor going forward for the annual Angel Tree lighting. "The meaningful presence the Guardians of the Children gives young victims support and confidence to rise from 'victim to victor.' The hope is that one day the violence and abuse will end, and we aren't adding any more ornaments to the Angel Tree.'"
City leaders emphasized that public safety and child welfare remain top priorities for City administration and the City Council. The presence of APD and Fire & Rescue officials underscored the collaborative effort required between first responders, non-profit organizations, and volunteers to combat child abuse.
The Angel Tree will remain on display at Civic Plaza throughout the holiday season as a reminder of the community's collective responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens.