Bowen & Bowen Expands Jingle Box Programme to 300 Families

For the 16th year, Bowen & Bowen’s Jingle Box programme is spreading a little hope during the holiday season. This year, the company has increased the number of boxes to 300, up from 250 last year, reaching even more families in need.

The boxes, packed with ingredients for a full holiday meal and a few treats, are distributed through local organisations and individuals who know their communities best. 

Fay Madrid, programme assistant at World Paediatrics-Belize, says they have been receiving boxes since 2016. She shared the story of a past recipient: “We had identified a single-parent mother who has twins. Her child has cerebral palsy, and she mentioned to me that the kids were very grateful when they received the boxes, because it did bring a light to their Christmas spirit. And she said that that’s something she will never forget.”

Helpage Belize, which serves over 1,000 elderly residents across the country, has also received boxes from the initiative’s inception. Ivorine Bulwer, their Executive Director, described the impact, saying, “There is that sense of appreciation. They’re extremely thankful. You see it in their eyes. And you’re seeing it in their smiles. And they hug you.”

While many large NGOs receive boxes, smaller grassroots initiatives also benefit. The Dara Feeding Program distributes boxes to students with strong attendance. St Vincent de Paul, which has received boxes for three years, gives them to churches and communities in need. Hand in Hand Ministries will provide 20 boxes to families whose homes they have helped build.

Rosanna Villanueva, Corporate Relations Manager at Bowen & Bowen, said the Jingle Box programme holds special significance because it is driven by the company’s employees. Staff contribute each year personally, with Bowen & Bowen matching their donations and the Coca‑Cola company providing additional support.