How It Feels to Open a Box of Joy
Cross Catholic Outreach
We mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities around the world.
As soon as the sun rises (or even before), eager boys and girls in the U.S. tug their yawning parents out of bed and race to the Christmas tree to see what Santa brought them. As bows and wrapping paper fly around the room, everyone is caught up in the excitement.
In developing nations, Christmas morning often looks very differently. While poor children in remote communities may wake up early, it's usually to collect water from a distant source or to get a start on other daily chores.
Most estimates reveal that at least 689 million people around the world live on less than $1.90 per day. Children in these families will be glad just to have a little rice or stew to eat on Christmas Day. To them, the idea of receiving anything more — a soccer ball or lovely doll — is an impossible dream.
Since its beginning in 2014, Box of Joy has been working hard to make the impossible possible! Through this gift-giving ministry, U.S. Catholic parishes, schools, groups, families and individuals have united to bless 393,865 children with Christmas presents through the years.
Now in its ninth season, Box of Joy is again working to impact young lives — and all are being asked to pitch in and make this an unforgettable year for children in need!
What’s Inside a Box of Joy?
Box of Joy gifts are the size of a shoebox — but the joy they contain is immeasurable!
Each Box of Joy is packed by volunteers and filled with items, including:
Every Box of Joy also includes a rosary and The Story of Jesus, a small book translated into English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, that shares the Gospel message in an engaging and easy-to-understand way.
Altogether, the contents of a Box of Joy are fun, practical and encouraging. These gifts — distributed by local priests, religious sisters and lay missionaries in developing nations — let children know they are abundantly loved by God and by his Church.
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Mayra’s Miracle: A Testimony of Joy
Sending a Box of Joy is a simple act of mercy that can transform sorrow into hope. Children in poverty bear heavy burdens of disappointment and loss, but these gifts shine a light into the darkness, reminding boys and girls that God and their brothers and sisters of faith care about them and want to bring them joy.
Consider little Mayra Ester Lopez, who lives in the community of El Cielito near Cuilapa, Guatemala. Mayra’s father recently moved to the U.S. in search of work, leaving Mayra with his brother’s family in Guatemala. While Mayra knows her father is trying to provide a better life for her, she still misses him very much. She was sad when he was unable to come home for Christmas one year.
Then, Mayra received a Box of Joy, and her sad expression broke into a beautiful smile! Now, when she remembers that special Christmas, her father’s absence will not be the only thing she recalls. She will remember the amazing gifts she received and the kindness of the people who made this miracle possible.
Our ministry partners in the local Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima explained, “Little did (the children) imagine that in another part of the world, there was a group of people fighting tirelessly to be able to send them a gift box that filled them with great joy.”
Who Makes Box of Joy Possible?
Box of Joy provides a powerful opportunity to touch young lives — and the ministry is only possible because of our incredible supporters.
Every year, people give and serve in various ways to ensure that thoughtfully packaged presents reach grateful boys and girls in the developing world. Some volunteers purchase and prepare their gifts individually. Some coordinate with their parishes, schools and groups to pack boxes together or host Drop-Off Centers to receive completed gifts. Others help by donating bulk items such as handmade toys, dresses and rosaries.
Although the deadline for individually packing Box of Joy gifts has already passed this year, there is still time to bless children with a meaningful gift by donating through our Christmas Catalog. Each donation of $34 will send one Box of Joy to a child in need and create a special memory that will last a lifetime!
Last year, you helped us send Box of Joy gifts to 106,276 children in Latin America and the Caribbean — and this year, we hope to provide even more!
https://crosscatholic.org/christmas/box-of-joy/