The HFC Women’s Club is partnering with Cross Catholic Outreach to bring Christmas presents to children who will receive only one gift this year, yours.

The parish is participating in the Box of Joy ministry, a Christmas shoebox gift outreach organized by local Catholic schools, parishes and groups nationwide. We will bless children suffering from extreme poverty by filling boxes with toys and other gifts, sharing the joy of Christmas, and planting seeds of hope through the Gospel. We encourage everyone to pack a Box of Joy! For more info, contact the Project Leader Ann Owen, anowen99@yahoo.com, or check out boxofjoy.org.

 

The Diocese of Malawi, Africa

Living in Malawi comes with extreme challenges for many people: the lack of food, clean water, health facilities and public transportation, along with very few opportunities for jobs, can cause a deep sense of hopelessness.

In 2022, Box of Joy came to Malawi for the first time ever, distributing Christmas shoebox gifts to the children. On that day, it felt like sunshine broke through the clouds: The gift of JOY and the message of the LOVE of our Lord brought smiles to boys’ and girls’ faces. It was a day they will never forget.

Bishop Martin Mtumbuka from the Diocese of Karonga, Malawi, offered his heartfelt thanks: “I’m very grateful to all of you who gave and participated in Box of Joy. … I have seen the children, how happy and how grateful they are to receive this box. … It causes a lot of joy to children, and even their parents, especially children who don’t receive gifts from anybody, at any time really. … We pray for you, you also pray for us, and we also pray for Cross Catholic Outreach to continue coordinating this great work, and God bless every one of you.”

 

 

I want to participate

1. Choose who you wish to help. Do you wish to help a boy or a girl? What age? 2-4? 5-9? or 10-14?
2.  Go shopping. Purchase a waterproof box. [This is part of the gift because many children live on a dirt floor.] Buy a gift for the gender and age category of the child you wish to help.
3. Print out the packing label. Indicate the appropriate gender and age.
4. Turn in the completed box and $9 for shipping to a member of the Cathedral Women’s Club. Ask Ann Owen, anowen99@yahoo.com, if you have any questions.

 

 

Items:
Pencil Sharpener (small )
#2 pencils – 3 or 4 / Colored pencils/Pens
Erasers (Large pink)
Pencil cases (only flexible zipper type)
Rulers (12 inch)
Glue Sticks/ Safety scissors
Spiral notebooks (small fit in box type)
Utensils (forks & spoons)/ Compass
Crayons (24 count) *
Stickers and or Coloring Book / Markers *
Socks/ Underware
Necklaces / Bracelets *
(Girls Ages 2-4; 5-9; 10-14)
Shoelaces / Plastic Ponchos
Yo-Yo’s – Small round balls & or Small Footballs
Flashcards (Age appropriate)
Watch / Purse or Wallet /Sunglasses*
Jump Ropes/Paddleball/ Slinky / Balloons
Sewing Kits for older girls/ Craft kit
(beads, elastic, etc.)
Kazoos/ Harmonica
Flashlights NO-BATTERY*
Tape measures for older boys
Small tool sets screwdrivers
T-shirts (Girls & Boys who are small in stature) *
Flip Flops / Bandanas / Hats
Small Rag Doll or Small plush animals *
Small matchbox cars / small trucks
Hygiene Items:
Hair Brushes / Combs
Hair ties / Hair ribbons / Hair bands/
Headbands / Barrettes *
Dental Floss – Toothbrushes /
Toothpaste still in box *
Soap * (Regular size – mild) Wrap in
washcloth then put in ziplock
Drawstring bag *
Band Aids (Colorful – Kid theme)
Lip Balm / Hand wipes
Nail Clipper Set / Tissues
Small Plastic Water Bottles (Put items in bottle till full saves space) *

Do not forget each box filled must be accompanied by a check for $9.00. If you have more than one box to donate, please write only one check for the amount that is needed made out to the Council of Catholic Women, CCW.  It takes $9.00 for each box to cover shipping, then the remaining $2.00 goes to the priests and Nuns taking caring of these children. CCW does not keep any of this money. Also, if you feel you can’t fill a box we welcome your donations, again all money will be sent to Cross Catholic Outreach to help with shipping and to purchase items for more boxes. Bless you for your continued help with this project.

If you have any questions, please call Carolyn Naumann at 918-477-9062.

To send money mail your checks to Carolyn Naumann, 4117 E. 64th St., Tulsa, OK 74136,