Caja del Amor: The Christmas embrace that unites families across four countries
The Caja del Amor (“Box of Love”) initiative extends like a warm embrace that crosses borders, uniting families in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil in a gesture that goes far beyond a simple gift.
This year, the campaign will bring hope to more than 6,800 families. Each box is a treasure of love, filled with food, toys, and a nativity scene that symbolizes more than just a tradition—it represents the arrival of the Savior in each home where families in need live.
What is Caja del Amor?
Caja del Amor is a solidarity initiative aimed at bringing joy and hope to families in need during Christmas. Through boxes filled with food, toys, and a nativity scene, this campaign promotes sharing and unity within communities.
The initiative is driven by families from the Christian Life Movement (CLM), collaborators from Solidaridad en Marcha, and people connected to the works of our spiritual family, as well as members of the Sodalits in the different locations where it takes place.
Bringing Joy to Thousands of Homes Across Latin America
In Colombia, the project comes to life in three cities. In Medellín, our brother, Father Óscar Tamayo leads a team planning to reach 2,000 families, offering more than just boxes—they create meaningful connections. “We bring the novena, share moments, play with the children, and, above all, bring the love of neighbor and God,” he shares enthusiastically.
In Cali, Pablo Quintero heads Caja del Amor, bringing hope to 1,650 families. Beyond distributing boxes, his team shares novenas, games, conversations, and, most importantly, “the love of neighbor and God.” Using local treats like pandebono and natilla, they transform each donation into a community gathering that celebrates the spirit of Christmas solidarity.
In Bogotá, 50 of the 200 families benefiting from the initiative include individuals battling cancer. Luisa Suarez highlights the true wealth found in connection: “It’s not just about a donation but about seeing Christ reflected in the face of others.”
In Ecuador, Luisa Rodríguez and her husband Jimmy Torres are “completely in love” with this project. With a goal of reaching 300 families, they aim to create a special moment where donors personally meet those receiving their gifts. “From the moment they decide to help, they are already praying for them,” Luisa shares.
In Lima, members of the Christian Life Movement alongside volunteers from Bridges and Nuestra Señora de la Reconciliación Parish are preparing to bring joy to 1,800 families. “More than just a gift, Caja del Amor represents love and hope for those who need it most,” say the organizers.
In Arequipa, Universidad Católica San Pablo is extending its solidarity by bringing hope to 350 families in Chiguata and Ayaviri. Students and staff have been working on the initiative since September. According to Victor Montalvo from the apostolate team, a group of volunteers is gearing up to travel miles to make this Christmas embrace a reality: on December 11 in Chiguata (Arequipa) and between December 14 and 15 in the towns of Coasa and Nuñoa (Puno).
In Brazil, SOMAR (Solidaridad en Marcha) weaves a mosaic of hope across three cities. With 505 Cestas de Natal (Christmas Baskets) distributed among São Paulo (360), Rio de Janeiro (100), and Petrópolis (45), their mission goes beyond distribution: they host children’s parties and visit homes. The Cestas de Natal will be delivered on December 14 in Petrópolis and São Paulo, and on December 21st in Rio de Janeiro, spreading joy to families in need.
You can get in touch with each location through the following channels: Colombia | Ecuador | Peru | Brazil.