Actor David Henrie, best known for his role in the TV show "Wizards of Waverly Place," has become the spokesperson for Cross Catholic Outreach's "Box of Joy" initiative. This program has not only enriched his family's Advent season but also brought happiness to children in developing countries. The "Box of Joy" is a shoebox-sized package that individuals can fill with toys, clothing, school supplies, and other treasured items. Alternatively, they can sponsor a box packed by Cross Catholic Outreach's ministry team.

Each child who receives a Box of Joy also receives a rosary and a booklet that tells The Story of Jesus in their own language. The program not only provides hope to children in need but also represents Christ's love, as it might be the only Christmas gift they receive. Henrie, who now lives in Idaho and is a father of three children, first got in touch with Cross Catholic Outreach over the summer and instantly felt drawn to Box of Joy.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Henrie explained that he wanted to teach his children how to give during Christmas and develop a spirit of recognizing the works of mercy in others. He appreciated that the process of picking out gifts could involve his children, emphasizing that it was a powerful way to build habits. Together, they went to a toy store, picked out their favorite toys, and packed the boxes.

Once a box is assembled, it can be taken to a drop-off location, where it will be vetted before being sent to a child in need. However, individuals also have the option to donate to Box of Joy if they prefer not to assemble a box themselves. In 2022, nearly 119,000 boxes were sent to children in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, and Malawi.

Henrie recently traveled to the Dominican Republic to deliver gifts to children in person. He described the experience of building and delivering a Box of Joy as "incredibly fruitful" for his family, which surpassed his expectations. His eldest daughter, Pia, who is four years old, didn't previously understand that some children don't receive gifts on Christmas. However, Henrie shared that she now prays for the "girl with no presents." This revelation has opened up conversations in their family about kindness and charity.

Henrie hopes that this lesson in giving will make a lasting impact on his daughter as she grows up and develops a heart for those in need. He believes that the Box of Joy initiative has sparked organic and healthy conversations in his family about poverty and the conditions in developing countries. The mission of Cross Catholic Outreach is to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ.