Boxed Blessings (Shoeboxes of Kindness) 2023

Every kid deserves to have Christmas.

I have been with my little (through Big Brother Big Sister) for 9 years now. Every year we set out to ensure as many kids as possible wake up Christmas morning with a light of hope. It all started with a friend. He told me the story about her and it broke my heart. Living with extended family here in the Newport/Cincinnati area, her and her brother would not have Christmas. Simply put, her family couldn’t afford it. After telling me about his friend, that is when he said "Mr Craig, every kid deserves Christmas". At that moment I turned to Will and said, what if we did something bigger? What if we helped more than just your friend? Well, we did! 2019 we provided 115 shoeboxes. In 2020 with COVID working against us, our community came together to meet the challenge and built 260 shoeboxes! The ongoing miracle continued to grow in 2021, where we raised over $4,500 & packed 391 shoe boxes. But last year, the community continued to push forward raising over $7,000 & packed 530 shoeboxes!!!

With inflation and the harsh economic climate the past year, there are even more kids out there that need just a mustard see of hope. You see, there are many kids at Newport KY high school alone that are considered homeless. To me, this is heart wrenching. In fact, in this area over 60% of kids 11 & under live well below the poverty line. Through contacting the Brighton Center in Newport (local shelter) I found out that in over 1,000 families which included 1,640 CHILDREN participated in their annual Holiday Drive. 1,600+ kids that may not have a Christmas in 2023. Every kid deserves a Christmas right?

Faith. That is what this cause is all about. Giving kids all over the Newport/Cincinnati area a mustard seed of faith. We all take faith for granted and many kids out there grow up without it. Without faith in their family. Without faith in their position in life. Without faith in the love of Christ. Most importantly without faith in themselves. You see all these kids need is a mustard seed. A mustard seed of blessing which can overtake their hearts and provide much more than the toys inside a shoebox, OUR love. It is that seed of love that changes perspective on life.

This year being our 5th year, Will & my family felt a calling to make this an official nonprofit, Boxed Blessings. Please help us hit this year’s goal of 555 shoeboxes by supporting our newly created nonprofit "Boxed Blessings". 555 in our 5th year seems only fitting! Over the next 7-8 weeks we will be putting together shoeboxes that have not only toys but key essentials we often take for granted. Each shoebox costs about $15-$20 and our goal is to give 555+ kids Christmas this year! Every $1 counts. Even if it is just a simple prayer. Words can’t begin to thank everyone enough for the outpouring of support for this cause. I am truly blessed to be supported by so many loving friends, co-workers, family, and our local community through this initiative!

If you would like to help in other ways such as: building shoeboxes on your own, donating, providing shoeboxes, or giving back in other ways please reach out us through our new email [email modificata] .

For more information about Brighton Center Inc visit https://www.brightoncenter.com/contact: To create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership. They will achieve this mission by creating an environment that rewards excellence and innovation, encourages mutual respect, and maximizes resources.

For more information or interested in becoming a Big through Big Brother Big Sisters visit https://www.bigsforkids.org/volunteer.html: Being a Big Brother or Big Sister in Greater Cincinnati is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do and one of the most rewarding. Mentoring has a huge impact on the children we serve. 100% are in school, 99% are not involved with the juvenile justice system, 99% are substance-abuse free. Whether it is their Community or Site based program you will/can surely make an impact in a kids life!