If you ask a child to tell you their favorite day of the year, what do you think they would say? Their responses might vary. Some might say their own birthdays — but more often than not, they would probably say Christmas Day! As soon as December gets close, excited boys and girls make wish lists and count down the days. And though they might not know exactly what they’ll receive, they anticipate multiple gifts and surprises to come.
But many children in developing countries do not share that same expectation. In Malawi, for example, more than 60% of children live in poverty. Their parents often struggle to provide even the most basic necessities, such as clothing and food, and many lack access to clean water or effective education. In these situations, the thought of receiving a new toy on Christmas is a dream that feels too far out of reach.
That is why Cross Catholic Outreach’s Box of Joy ministry is so important in rural and remote areas of developing countries. It gives children hope!
Box of Joy gifts are shoebox-sized Christmas gifts sent to children in developing countries like Haiti, Malawi and the Dominican Republic. Each box is packed by U.S. parishes, schools, groups and families, and it includes fun and practical items for children. Because Catholics across the U.S. shop for and hand-pack the gifts, each box varies and offers an exciting surprise to the child receiving it.
A typical Box of Joy includes:
At our National Box of Joy Screening Center in South Florida, Team Joy volunteers pack boxes donated online. They also add a rosary and The Story of Jesus to every box so children can learn about Christ and the Blessed Mother. Then, Cross Catholic Outreach ships containers filled with Box of Joy gifts to priests, sisters and lay missionaries in developing countries, and they hand the gifts out to boys and girls in need.
Since 2014, Cross Catholic Outreach has blessed children around the world with 781,730 Box of Joy gifts!
In 2023, Box of Joy gifts reached the African continent for the first time. Children in Malawi’s Diocese of Karonga could not contain their joy! Excitement was in the air the moment trucks arrived, loaded with gifts.
When it was time for the children to receive their gifts, the entire primary school gathered to celebrate with songs, dances and prayers of thanksgiving. And when the gifts were opened, the children were thrilled to see the boxes filled with items selected for them by caring Catholic supporters.
His Excellency Martin Anwel Mtumbuka has served as bishop of Karonga since 2010. Bishop Mtumbuka recalled the first distribution of Box of Joy in Malawi: “I remembered launching the first distribution, and the kids were very excited, just to get the box itself without knowing what was inside. But the items inside — remember, you’re talking about kids who come from very poor families — they were thrilled to receive those items.”
He continued, “Some of the materials they received were helpful for them personally. Others were helpful to them in class. But it was just this sheer fact of receiving a gift of that kind that made the children most excited.”
When the children first received their gifts from Bishop Mtumbuka, they did not remove the toys from the packaging because they had never seen brand-new toys before. They were used to playing with scrap materials like old bicycle tires, dolls made from corncobs, and toy trucks made of metal cans or wood.
But they quickly jumped into action, showing their classmates their favorite items. Some of the top favorites were sunglasses, water bottles and, of course, real toy trucks and dolls.
Through gifts such as these, the Box of Joy ministry positively impacts children and their families. There are plenty of fun and useful items for the kids. However, the parents also receive the gift of seeing their children overjoyed by the kindness of strangers. This special ministry makes the kids feel valued, and their parents share in their joy.
Bishop Mtumbuka noted, “I have seen the children, how happy and grateful they were to receive a Box of Joy. For some, it was their first time receiving something as worthwhile as this. And I pray that those supporting Cross Catholic Outreach continue doing so for more children to receive a Box of Joy.”
Maria attends Chankholombe Catholic Primary School and received her first Box of Joy from Father Steven, pastor of St. Anne’s Parish. The delight on her face says everything! Maria was happy to receive a Box of Joy gift even before she opened it.
Box of Joy gifts do more than create excitement. They open a path for children to see and know that God loves them! Growing up in extreme poverty is challenging, but the Box of Joy ministry shares hope and has a lasting impact on many lives. It brings boys and girls closer to Christ and his Church, allowing them to look beyond daily difficulties and work toward a brighter future.
Box of Joy is able to bless children in developing countries around the world thanks to the support and volunteer efforts of compassionate U.S. Catholics. We invite you to join us! Whether you host a group or donate a Box of Joy online, your contribution will bring pure delight to a child in a developing country. Together, we can share joy this Christmas season and ensure this special ministry will continue to grow each year!
Box of Joy is a registered trademark of Cross Catholic Outreach.
Related: The Impact of a Box of Joy | Cross Catholic Outreach
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
