As Box of Joy approaches the milestone of delivering one million gift boxes to children in need around the world, Rita Buettner speaks with Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, about the ministry’s remarkable growth and enduring impact. Sagarino shares how a simple idea sketched on a napkin evolved into a nationwide Catholic outreach effort that invites families, parishes and schools to pack shoebox-sized gifts filled with toys, school supplies and daily necessities, along with a rosary and the story of Jesus. She explains how the program fosters service, faith and solidarity among participants while bringing joy to children who often receive no Christmas gifts.
Sagarino also reflects on her own call to Catholic relief work, the challenges of global poverty and the power of small acts of generosity. Together, they discuss how ordinary Catholics can make a meaningful difference, one child and one gift at a time.
For more on Cross Catholic Outreach, click here.
To listen to the full radio interview, click play below.
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