Archdiocese participating in gift-giving program

By The Catholic Week 
The Archdiocese of Mobile is again participating in Cross Catholic Outreach’s “Box of Joy” program. 
Last year, despite the pandemic, Cross Catholic Outreach collected and delivered gift-filled Boxes of Joy to 75,797 children in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Grenada, the Bahamas and Guatemala thanks to the efforts of participating Catholic parishes, schools and groups across the U.S., including the Archdiocese of Mobile.
“Hundreds of parishes, schools, families and groups have come together this past seven years to send over 287,589 Boxes of Joy to children in developing countries,” said Jim Cavnar, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. Last year, in light of the worldwide pandemic, he continued, “We were immensely honored and humbled to serve these children and bring them small gifts of crayons, candy, rosaries, saint charms and tote bags that brought them a little joy during the Christmas season.”
He added: “With things gradually returning to normal, we hope to serve thousands more children in 2021. As before, groups and parishes can play a critical role in the outreach by hosting packing parties and get-togethers to teach children the joy of serving others and helping those less fortunate. Box of Joy is a beautiful work of mercy for families to participate in together.”
Catholic parishes, schools and groups nationwide organize Boxes of Joy by packing the boxes with small gifts like toys and school supplies, and adding essentials like soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as a few treats like hard candy and coloring books. Participants include $9 in each box to cover shipment from the local drop-off center to the child. 
Catholic Social Services and Our Savior Parish in Mobile, Montgomery Catholic High School in Montgomery, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Auburn and Our Lady of the Gulf Parish in Gulf Shores will serve as dropoff centers. 
— Visit crosscatholic.org/box-of-joy/ for more information.