Gift-giving is a meaningful part of Christmas, but, sadly, many children in developing countries are deprived of this joy-filled tradition because their families live in poverty-ravaged communities. But by sending a Box of Joy — filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and a story about Jesus — you can share Christ’s love with an impoverished child who may never have received a Christmas gift.
David Henrie, best known for playing Justin Russo on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place and Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, Luke Mosby in How I Met Your Mother, and young Ronald Reagan in the movie Reagan, is committed to bringing the hope of Christmas to children around the world.
David has been married to his wife, Maria, since 2017, and together, they have three children. He is committed to his Catholic faith and thrilled to be partnering with Cross Catholic Outreach’s Box of Joy ministry to bring the hope of Christmas to children around the world.
“I couldn’t be more honored and excited to begin this journey around the world with Cross Catholic Outreach to help the poor and provide them with Box of Joy gifts,” Henrie said. “During these difficult times, it’s easy to forget about those who need us the most, in particular the poor and their affected communities. The call to help the poor and provide them with joy is a universal one united around love of neighbor. Providing an impoverished child with a Box of Joy is a reminder of the ultimate gift we have been given — that of God’s love. It’s my hope that you and many more will answer the call and join me this holiday season in encouraging your family and friends to donate a Box of Joy.”
» Read more about David’s journey with Cross Catholic Outreach here.
Watch a video message from David Henrie shot on the set of Wizards of Waverly Place.
David Henrie on Teaching His Kids the ‘Responsibility’ of Giving Back During the Holiday Season (Exclusive) | People | Hannah Sacks | 12/20/2023
Actor David Henrie, dad of three, has ‘soft spot’ for Box of Joy giving program for needy children| FoxNews | Christine Rousselle | 12/18/2023
Disney Actor David Henrie Reveals How He’s Living His Catholic Fatih Using the Corporal Works of Mercy | ChurchPOP | Jacqueline Burkepile | 12/19/2023
Drew Mariani Speaks with David Henrie about Box of Joy (0:13:45) | The Drew Mariani Show | 1/2/2024
In the U.S., Actor David Henrie loved packing a box with his kids:
“This Christmas and holiday season I finally found a fun way to teach my kids how to give rather than receive. It’s called Box of Joy.”
In Haiti, Dickson opened his Box of Joy:
“This car is for me? It is the best gift I have ever received!”
Grow in your faith this holy season by using our free Advent Activity Guide for Children and Families. This five-week guide includes spiritual reflections and hands-on activities that align with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Liturgical Calendar. Activities include a “Happy Birthday, Jesus” cake, a Nativity scene craft, an Advent wreath, an Advent collection box and more. Get started now!
Participate with Box of Joy by packing a box with a group or by donating a Box of Joy online for just $36 per box.
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.
Cross Catholic Outreach supports the work of frontline Catholic religious and lay partners and other relief organizations serving the poor and vulnerable in over 30 countries. Visit our Christmas Catalog to make your best gift to the projects that touch your heart, whether for food, water & health, housing, education, emergency aid, orphans and vulnerable children, or some other life-enriching outreach. Your generosity will have a lasting impact because it addresses critical needs with meaningful solutions in Christ’s name.
Box of Joy is a ministry of Cross Catholic Outreach.
