In the month of October,  St. Mary's Education & Formation Ministry is participating in the Box of Joy Ministry, a Christmas shoebox gift outreach organized by Cross Catholic Outreach. 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! 

How it Works

1. Box of Joy boxes will be available at the back of St. Mary's beginning Sunday, October 19. Pick up a box.
2. Review what gifts should be purchased and which should not. PLEASE DO NOT SEND  liquids/gels (toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, lotion, nail polish, hand sanitizer, bubbles, paint, glue, etc.), perfume , food or beverages , chocolate or JOLLY RANCHER®, medicine or vitamins, anything with a battery, knives, tools or toy weapons, glass or breakable objects , cash, checks or gift cards. CLICK HERE to review a handout with recommended gifts.
3. Pack the box but do not tape the Box of Joy gift boxes shut. If any boxes are overflowing, please put a rubber band around the box to keep it closed.
4. Click here to pay the $9 per box shipping cost online. This is required to cover transport expenses.  The preferred payment method is the online option. If you would prefer to pay by check, fill in the form included with your Box of Joy and tape it to the box when you drop it off. We will mail all of the payments together to Box of Joy. If you did not find a form with the box, download the form here.
5. If you paid online, Please include a copy of the payment receipt with your box so we know you have  paid. 
6. Return boxes to St. Mary’s no later than November 1, 2026. 

There will be a designated drop off space at the back of St. Mary's and in the Parish Center. 

Drop-off dates/times:

 Want to give more than a Box of Joy?

Check out the Cross Catholic Outreach Christmas Catalogue!