Preparations for the ‘Christmas is Jesus’ Campaign in Quito: Interview with José Salazar

The solidarity campaign ‘Christmas is Jesus,’ organized by the Christian Life Movement, is gearing up to bring the true meaning of Christmas to vulnerable communities in several countries. This time, we spoke with José Salazar, who shares his experience in Quito, Ecuador.

José, born in Quito but with a heart for Guayaquil, is 68 years old, married, a father of five, and grandfather to four. With 40 years of experience in the commercial and logistics sectors of the food industry, José has been part of our spiritual family since 1997 and a Sodalite adherent for 21 years. Currently, alongside his wife Susana, he collaborates in family ministry, providing spiritual guidance to engaged couples and married couples, as well as preparing individuals to receive the Sacraments.

— How is the ‘Christmas is Jesus’ Campaign being prepared in Quito?

“We are reaching out to both new and returning volunteers so they can join the team for the ‘Christmas is Jesus’ campaign. Likewise, we are contacting individuals and organizations who can collaborate as donors.”

José explains that the work goes beyond donations. A complete logistics operation is organized for distributing the aid: “We purchase bulk dry goods, weigh them, bag them, and pack them into boxes. This process fosters a spirit of solidarity and apostolic collaboration, where we pray, sing, and build friendships.”

—Which communities do you hope to benefit this year?

“We want to reach the community of Tolóntag, located in the upper part of the Valle de Los Chillos, where children and young people live with their uncles or neighbors because their parents have migrated. We also hope to visit the community of Santa Anita, in northwestern Quito, where many elderly people who used to recycle materials are now unable to do so due to new regulations.”

José also mentions other communities: “We will go to Toctiuco Alto, in western Quito, to support caregivers of people with special needs. Additionally, we aim to assist vulnerable women associated with the Fundación Acción Solidaria, who receive training in trades to generate income from home while caring for their children.”

In total, the team expects to benefit around 2,000 people this year.

—What activities do you carry out to prepare for this campaign?

“The central focus of the campaign is prayer and the Eucharist. We offer our daily activities for the success of the campaign while managing donations of products, money, and other resources. Additionally, we organize the logistics for assembling the baskets and distributing them.”

José explains that the work involves many practical tasks: “We need to arrange transportation, pick up donated products, purchase materials like bags, and prepare food for the volunteers. All of this is done in an atmosphere of prayer and community.”

—What motivates you to keep participating in Christmas is Jesus?

“Since I was single, I used to prepare bags of candies with my mother to distribute in various places. Later, with my wife and children, we delivered Christmas baskets to people in need. Since 1998, we have participated—first in Guayaquil, and since 2010 in Quito, where God called us to serve Him.”

Finally, José shares what motivates him to stay involved in Christmas is Jesus: “I want to fulfill Jesus Christ’s command to love God and others. He has been extremely generous to us, and the little we do is a way to give back for the immense love He has for us as a family.”

—How can people help?

“First, through prayer. You can also help by making or securing donations, assisting with the logistics of assembling the baskets, or participating in their distribution. In each location, we hold a Christmas liturgy, where both volunteers and beneficiaries take part.”

‘Christmas is Jesus’ not only addresses material needs but also seeks to evangelize and remind everyone that the true center of Christmas is the birth of the Lord Jesus. If you want to join, you can contact the MVC Ecuador here and be part of this solidarity mission in Quito.