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Welcome to the 2012 Annual Gathering Website! Use the Navigation Menu above to learn more about each aspect of the event we have planned for you.
History
Christmas Beyond Borders began on June 2011 after a personal visit to Chilpancingo , when I noticed two boys playing in toxic waste due to the fact they did not have any toys to play with, nor their parents had any money to purchase any toys. I asked the question: "How can we help the real victims, the children, who live in poverty and surrounded by toxic waste day after day?" We knew we could not stop poverty, but we could offer something – a Christmas gift of love, capable of transcending borders. Together, with several partners in San Diego and Tijuana, we were able to fill a convoy of seven pickup trucks with blankets, shoes medical supplies, food, clothing and Christmas gifts for children, and headed into Tijuana: Chilpancingo, Rosarito, Ensenada, etc. This was the beginning of what I hope will become the largest children’s Christmas program within our church.
Through our initial 2011 Christmas Beyond Borders program children’s lives were changed. Now we at Centro Romero want to establish a yearly program which will provide generous people across our Conference and Church the opportunity to lovingly pack boxes with gifts – simple, yet powerful messages of God’s unconditional love.
When a child receives a gift, that child receives more than a toy. That young person receives a toy that lovingly purchased and prepared just for them. In 2011 we were able to distribute 800 toys, 600 blankets; 150 health kits and 300 pairs of shoes. Christmas Beyond Borders is a unique project of Centro Romero committed to bring joy and hope to children in desperate situations in Tijuana and beyond through gift-filled boxes, The program also provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple but hands-on project that has the power to transform children’s lives.
Our target for 2012 Christmas Beyond Borders is 2000 toys and 1500 pairs of shoes. As each box gift is delivered, the children that receive the toys and shoes in them will also receive a lasting reminder that they are precious to God.
Carlos Correa
Associate Conference Minister
for Border & Latino Ministries
Fill your box with the following items:
- SOMETHING TO LOVE: Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.
- SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL: Exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, coloring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.
- SOMETHING TO WEAR: T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, shoes, etc.
- SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH: Tennis ball, toy cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up flashlight, etc. (No battery operated items)*
- SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE: Soap and face cleanser, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc.(No toothpaste)*
- SOMETHING SPECIAL: Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself.
What not to include
It is VERY important that the conditions below are followed to comply with various Mexican government and customs constraints and to protect the content of the boxes. We reserve the right to remove any unsuitable items.
- ITEMS THAT LEAK OR MELT (these can spoil boxes) Including toothpaste, shampoo, bubbles, Play-Doh, batteries.
- ANY FOOD or LOLLIES Of any kind (due to shipping regulations) including medicines and vitamins.
- ANY USED or DAMAGED ITEMS (Due to customs regulations) including clothing and toys.
- ANY BREAKABLE ITEMS Including glass, porcelain, mirrors.
- ANY ITEM THAT CAN SCARE or HARM A CHILD Including knives, war-related toys, toy guns.
- ANY GAMBLING-RELATED ITEMS including play money, playing cards, and Dominoes.
- ANYTHING OF A RELIGIOUS, RACIAL OR POLITICAL NATURE
Visit the Centro Romero Website here
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