SKOWHEGAN — Five years ago, Elyse Wilson of Christ the King Parish in Skowhegan read about a program that helped provide shoe boxes full of gifts to mission children in South America who had never received Christmas presents before.

“I was very inspired by the stories, and I thought it would be a great way for kids in our area to get involved with missions,” said Wilson, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “Children are naturally generous, and they love to give gifts, especially at Christmas time.”

Weeks later, “Box of Joy” in Maine was born.

To participate, individuals and families fill a shoe box or boxes with gifts and mark the box for a boy or a girl and the approximate age. Then, they drop off the box between Nov. 6 and 11 at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, 273 Water St., Skowhegan; St. Peter Church, 27 Owens St., Bingham; or St. Sebastian Church, 161 Main St., Madison.

Interested parties can also make an appointment to drop off boxes by contacting Wilson at 301-956-4086.

Lists of recommended gifts and what cannot be sent appear on the website of Cross Catholic Outreach, crosscatholic.org/boxofjoy. In general, toys, hygiene items, and school supplies are acceptable. Items should be new or like new, and should not include liquids, food, or anything related to violence.

A check for $9 made out to Cross Catholic Outreach should be included in the box to help cover shipping expenses.

Those interested in starting a “Box of Joy” program can call 301-956-4086 or email Wilson at [email protected].