The ‘Love In A Box Movement’ was a movement that began with two friends, Kathyinla Jamir and Vitono Gugu Haralu, visiting a remote hamlet in April of last year, and has resulted in one of the most beautiful success stories of love.
The concept was simple. They asked children and parents to pack goodies in a shoe box, attach a small note with the sender’s name (the child’s name, address, and contact information for a parent), and deliver it to the contacts listed.
The two friends not only collected 526 gift boxes from Nagaland and beyond, but also successfully distributed them across eight villages in Noklak district, including some in the district headquarters.
“I had one of the most meaningful Christmas holidays ever,” an excited Kathy said, recalling distributing those boxes to little children. “I will cherish the children’s smiles as they embraced their boxes, as well as the bursts of laughter that always followed each round of distribution,” she exclaimed joyfully.
“This journey, which we undertook with only a mustard seed of faith, has transpired into a most beautiful experience for everybody involved. That’s how we know God planted this purpose in our hearts and guided us every step of the way. And what an adventure it has been!” exclaimed Kathy.
“It has been such a beautiful journey to see this Movement grow from a small wish to a collective endeavor. We were successful in opening what I like to call a ‘Love Bank Account,’ and the withdrawals never seem to stop,” she added.
“While the first chapter has come to a close, we continue to receive messages from people expressing their willingness to contribute to the Movement,” Kathy said of the overall experience. “I had just received several boxes from a lovely lady in Kohima the week before. It is truly heartwarming to receive such overwhelming responses.”
“It is a feeling like no other! The truth is, Gugu and I were only messengers, and the true authors of this story were the generous souls who reached out and the children who received love in boxes,” she added.
“Love in a Box Movement has taken a complete 360 degree turn in my life, both personally and professionally,” Gugu said of the movement. “Every day, from the beginning to the end, I found healing. It helped me in better examining my life.”
She went on to describe how she knew it was meant to be because of a small spark she received in Noklak and shared with Kathyla.
“There are certain things in life that we experience, and they usually come from unexpected places and things. When I saw our people and children happy in their world of wonders, I realized that many of us should consider ourselves to be living in luxury.”
“My travels around Naga Land in the interiors over the past many years have shown me that we fail to recognize how beautiful our land and people are,” she smiled.
“This movement has brought people from all backgrounds to give wholeheartedly, trusting us with their gifts. It’s been an overwhelming response, and we hope to keep the candle of love for humanity burning at all times. The world desperately needs this LOVE,” Gugu added.
“We coined the term ‘movement’ to describe our humble initiative because we wanted to keep going. We didn’t know how we were going to do it, and honestly, we aren’t worried about our next adventure,” Gugu said as she spoke about the movement’s future plans.
“Love In A Box Movement is not going to be a one-time affair; we will continue sowing seeds of love wherever and whenever possible. Our only hope is that we will continue to receive support in this endeavor because love is the only reason we are so invested in this Movement and because love knows no boundaries,” Kathy added.
“What kept us on track in spite of our busy lives we have in two locations, Kathy in Noklak and myself in Dimapur, we stayed connected and true to our calling for the desire to share love with the kids,” Gugu said, adding that their desire is to “spread this message that we can make a difference when we are willing and ready to go far enough, even though we may not know the full destination.”
“Having the right companion matters. I found mine with Kathyla so that we could serve our people together. We would love to encourage and inspire others to take risks and do things that move their hearts. You felt it because it chose you,” Gugu added.
Also read: How ‘Love In A Box Movement’ is helping nurture meaningful relationships