Each Christmas, children worldwide receive more than just a simple present; they receive a symbol of hope, faith and love in the form of a Box of Joy from Cross Catholic Outreach. Filled with many goodies for the children to enjoy, every gift includes the meaningful addition of a rosary. By praying the Rosary, each child receives the priceless opportunity to encounter the love of our Blessed Mother.
Though a rosary isn’t flashy, with 59 beads, five decades and four mysteries, it holds a central place in the Catholic faith. By placing a rosary in every box, our ministry offers not just a physical gift but also a spiritual one, inviting kids to draw closer to Christ through the intercession of Mary.
We invite you to learn more about how your support can help share the joy of Christmas — and the powerful gift of prayer — with children worldwide
Little Abel, who lives in the remote village of Los Chilitos, Guatemala, received a Box of Joy two Christmases ago. When staff members from Cross Catholic Outreach visited his village later, Abel recognized the globe logo on their shirts. He quickly ran home to retrieve his Box of Joy gifts to show them. His box included treasures such as a ball, a matchbox car and a plastic pail.
Abel felt joy for several reasons. Along with the toys, the box he received included a story about Jesus written in his language and a rosary that he had learned to use for prayer. Abel even asked the staff at Cross Catholic Outreach to inform Doug and Donna — the individuals who packed his Box of Joy — that he prays the Rosary for them every night.
How did Abel know that Doug and Donna packed his gift? The couple included a photo of themselves with a letter wishing him a Merry Christmas. They wanted their Box of Joy to have a personal touch, but they could not have known how Abel would respond to that photo and letter or that the little boy would begin praying for them.
Whether you personally pack a Box of Joy or generously donate a Box of Joy online, each gift delivered is thoughtfully and prayerfully packed to bring the love of Christ to children in need. And every single one includes a rosary to encourage these precious boys and girls in faith!
Learn more about how Cross Catholic Outreach is sharing God’s love through Box of Joy gifts.
As we reflect on the mysteries of the Rosary and Abel’s beautiful testimony, we see the real fruit of the Box of Joy ministry. When you give a simple gift to a child in need, that child receives an opportunity to form a deep and lasting relationship with Christ through the Blessed Mother.
Just as Abel discovered the beauty and power of praying the Rosary, so too can countless other children, with your help. By giving a Box of Joy, you’re not only giving a Christmas gift — you’re placing a rosary in the hands of a child. Together we can spread joy and the love of Christ, one box at a time.
Ready to make a child smile? Donate a Box of Joy or lead a group to pack Box of Joy gifts! Check out our complete Christmas Catalog for more ways to bless boys and girls in need.
Originally published August 1, 2025. Last updated August 2026.
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.
