Five Maine parishes participate in the Box of Joy program

Five Maine parishes are participating in the Box of Joy program, which invites people to pack a shoebox full of toys, clothing, and other supplies for a child in a developing country. Last year, nearly 120,000 children were given a Box of Joy. For many, it was the only gift they received.

The program Is facilitated by Cross Catholic Outreach, based in Florida, but is run through parishes, schools, and organizations such as the Knights of Columbus.  

To participate, all you need to do is to pick up a shoebox, fill it, and return it to one of the drop-off centers. In Maine, the program is being offered at Christ the King Parish in Skowhegan, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish in Lincoln, the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord in Kittery, St. Joseph Parish in Bridgton, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Norway.

At Christ the King, there are boxes that can be picked up in each of the parishes’ three churches. It is requested that they be returned by November 13. The contact is Elyse Wilson at [email protected].

At Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, boxes are available at the churches in both Howland and Lincoln. Each box contains a suggested shopping list. The return date is November 5. The project leader is Karen Carson who can be reached at [email protected].

At the Parish of the Ascension of the Lord, boxes should be returned by November 4. The contact there is Veronica Richards, who can be reached at [email protected].

And for details on the Western Maine Lakes and Foothills Parishes of St. Joseph in Bridgton and St. Teresa of Calcutta in Norway, call the parish office at 207-743-2606.

In addition to the items that you place in your shoebox, a donation of $9 per box is requested to cover shipping.

You can read more about the program at https://crosscatholic.org/box-of-joy/.