The Box of Joy Ministry at Our Lady of Kibeho
At Our Lady of Kibeho Parish, the spirit of Christmas comes early through the heartfelt efforts of the Box of Joy ministry. This initiative, part of Cross Catholic Outreach, provides Christmas gifts to children in developing countries like Haiti, Malawi, and the Dominican Republic. Each shoebox is carefully packed with toys, such as dolls, cars, and puzzles, clothing like t-shirts and socks, school supplies like notebooks and pencils, a rosary, and a booklet titled The Story of Jesus, delivering presents and Christ’s love and compassion to those who need it most.
Betty Taylor, president of the parish’s Council of Catholic Women (CCW) at Our Lady of Kibeho, has been instrumental in bringing the program to life. “We first got involved in 2021 through the National Council of Catholic Women as a recommended outreach project,” Betty shared. “It's a great way to unite the parish because it's about doing something special for children. The CCW, made up of 22 dedicated women, plays a crucial role in organizing and executing this initiative, making it a success each year.”
A Parish-Wide Effort
The ministry kicks off annually in October, with parishioners coming together to pick up boxes and fill them with gifts for children of various age groups. Each box has a list of suggested items, and donors are asked to contribute $9 for shipping. For those unable to shop themselves, a $20 donation covers the cost of a fully assembled box, allowing the CCW to purchase and pack the items. This collective effort fosters a sense of unity and togetherness within the parish community.
Betty has witnessed incredible generosity from the parish community. “Some people even do a second box because they’ve overbought for the first,” she said. “Seeing the joy people get from putting these gifts together is infectious. One parishioner works on the boxes with her three grandchildren, each working on their own. It became a special act of service for their family.”
This year, the parish sent 94 boxes—an increase from 85 last year. “People are very loving and very generous. It is the right name, ‘box of joy,’ because it brings so much joy. I always tell people we can do small things with great love, and this is an outreach project that gets the whole parish involved,” Taylor said. The increase in the number of boxes sent this year is a testament to the parishioners' dedication and a source of pride and fulfillment for the entire community.
A Ministry That Brings Joy
For Betty and her fellow CCW members, the ministry’s impact goes beyond the children receiving the boxes. “This project energizes our parish for the Advent season,” she said. When you're doing something so tangible for others, you can't help but feel joy. These small efforts bring happiness to children who may have never received a Christmas gift.”
Betty shared a touching story about a little boy who received a Box of Joy. “He carried it around without opening it until someone told him there were presents inside. Moments like that remind us why we do this.”
Beyond the Boxes
The CCW focuses on outreach projects like Box of Joy to make a difference in the lives of others.“We focus on doing outreach activities, things that make an immediate and tangible difference in the lives of others.” During the winter of 2023/2024 in another parish wide effort, the CCW collected and distributed blankets, warm clothing, toiletries, and snack bags to a homeless encampment several times. Outreach to the community unites the parish.
As the ministry grows, Betty encourages others to get involved. “This outreach gives us wonderful pre-Christmas joy and prepares us for the Advent season,” she said. Through their efforts, the Box of Joy ministry at Our Lady of Kibeho has become a beautiful expression of faith in action. It’s a reminder that even the smallest gift, given with great love, can make a profound impact.
