Love and Christmas Presents

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

In 2019, Matt and I launched the Christmas Shoe Box With Love (CSBWL) Project with a single mission: to bring joy to children’s lives. Now in its sixth year, the project continues to delight children by surprising them with gifts during the holiday season.

Inspired by the Samaritan’s Purse and the spirit of giving that defines this most wonderful time of year, the Christmas initiative shares love and happiness with those who might not often experience the joy of receiving a present.

The success of this project over six years is a testament to God’s faithfulness and provision, and the heartfelt generosity of our givers. This year, we have chosen the 51 children and grandchildren of the diligent Kalibo street sweepers as our recipients.

One of our long-time donors, Zaira De La Cuesta, who always delivers her gifts first, informed me she could not personally prepare presents this year as she would be on vacation celebrating her husband John’s golden birthday. Instead, she big-heartedly sponsored gifts for 20 children of the Kalibo Charismatic Choir of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje in Barangay Estancia.

On December 4, we distributed the first batch of gifts for the CSBWL Project Year 6. Each choir member received toys, a full set of school supplies, arts and crafts materials, chips, candies, and burgers and sodas.

On December 18, the children and grandchildren of the street sweepers gathered at the Magsaysay Park lobby near the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan for a gift-giving event. Each child received a gift from a giver, accompanied by snacks sponsored by Vice Mayor Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz.

With extra presents, we donated them to Santa’s Village, an initiative organized by the Aklan Provincial Human Resource Management Office at the Capitol Grounds.

True giving is not measured by the contents of a gift but by the love and kindness that inspires it. To everyone who supported the CSBWL Project, you have done more than share your blessings. You have spread joy, filled hearts, and made these children feel truly loved and valued.

I am deeply humbled to be a vessel of God’s goodness, connecting your generosity with the happiness of these children. Together, we are spreading hope and gratitude, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. With a pay-it-forward attitude, perhaps these young recipients will one day extend the same kindness to others.

Thank you for being an instrument of love and helping sustain this wonderful project. May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with peace, gratitude, and abundant blessings.