The Power Of A Shoebox

It’s time to begin our annual Christmas Shoebox collection. The holiday season is such a joyous time, and you can make it special for a child in Romania. The celebration of Christmas began with a gift. It’s a time when we celebrate God giving the world the gift of Jesus. If you reflect on the creator of the world, choosing to give us the gift of His Son to bring us back to a relationship with Him, it is a powerful thing.

Think about the moment right before you open a gift. Sometimes you might have an idea of what the gift is, or sometimes you might have no idea what to expect. Either way, the excitement is almost always uncontainable. Why is this? Why is receiving a gift such an exciting thing? I think because no matter how small or large the gift may be, it sends the message that someone cares, someone was thinking of you when they handpicked and purchased this gift. There is great joy in being the focus of someone’s love!

Now, think of a child who has never received a Christmas gift, or possibly any type of gift. This simple box that you packed has traveled across the world and is now in the hands of a child in Romania. When given a gift for the first time, the child is excited, anxiously waiting for the moment to open it. As the box is opened, the child begins to pull out each thing that you specifically selected just for them: toys, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, or a scarf. These are simple things – yet, things many children who eat at our Feeding Centers do not have access to. The sound of children smiling and saying “Woah!” and “Oh wow!” fill the room in this moment with the universal language of excitement and joy. This moment was brought to this child through this one simple shoebox.

Here’s my call to you: get involved with this incredible program. There are two ways you can participate. Pack your own box, or donate to Bread of Life for them to pack a box for you. Donating for the staff in Romania to create a shoebox with items purchased locally helps with efficiency and saves the cost of shipping. Either way, this small gift can bring so much joy and hope. We experience love by spreading love. I encourage you to take part in this program.

Reaghan Bryant, Volunteer

 

Thank you for your interest in Bread of Life Ministries. We have been able to accomplish a lot with the help of our supporters around the world. There is still more for us to do. Please prayerfully consider how you might help support Bread of Life as we provide support to children and families in need.

Become A Partner

Other articles you may be interested in

BOL Prayer Calendar 2026

By BOL Team • November 17, 2025
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Prayer changes things—because prayer moves the heart of God. As we step into 2026, we invite you to join us in praying for Bread of Life—the precious children God has placed in our care and the faithful staff who serve them. Every prayer lifted becomes part of His loving work of transformation. Together, we trust Him for healing, provision, and renewed hope as each child grows in His grace. Our 2026 Prayer Calendar is thoughtfully designed to sit on your desk in a triangular format, keeping prayer close at hand. One side displays the calendar, with the children and staff birthdays clearly circled as a gentle reminder to pause and pray for them on those special days. The inside of the triangle and the bottom portion of the calendar feature photos of the children and staff, putting faces to the prayers you offer as you lift each one before the Lord by name. As you see the calendar each day, we invite you to thank God for their lives and speak blessings over their futures. BOL Team

Sharing the Gift of Love This Christmas

By Debora Brown Volunteer Sponsorship Director • October 21, 2025
As the holiday season draws near, our hearts are filled with gratitude for God’s greatest gift—His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas reminds us that love came down to dwell among us, and now we have the joy of sharing that same love with others. This year, we invite you to join our Christmas Shoebox Ministry —a simple yet powerful way to bless children in Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Romania. For many, these gifts will be the only ones they receive, but through them they’ll experience the warmth of God’s love and the hope of the gospel.

A Story of Hope: Elisabeth and Darius

By Luminita Panican • September 11, 2025
Elisabeth and Darius, two young souls brought together by the Bread of Life Ministry, grew up side by side, forming a sincere friendship rooted in respect and trust. Even from a young age, they believed that with God’s help, a heart committed to learning, and a willingness to walk in obedience, a better life was possible.