Los Angeles, United States – December 2024 – A few days before Christmas, a group of volunteers from the Salesian Family gathered to bring support and assistance to the most vulnerable families in the city. From the Salesian parishes of Santa Maria, Santa Isabella and St Dominic Savio, to the Youth Centre run by the Salesian Family and the Bishop Mora Salesian High School, many answered the call. Thanks also to the generosity of some local families, toys were donated to the children and the little ones were involved in fun activities such as making bracelets. A small gesture has therefore really made a difference for so many people.

Yaoundé, Cameroon – December 2024 – The first edition of "Christmas in the street", a Salesian initiative dedicated to street children, was held in a spirit of joy and fraternity. This is an event organised by the coordination of the social works of the Equatorial Tropical Africa Office (ATE) that testifies to the constant commitment of Salesians towards young people in situations of vulnerability and social exclusion. As part of this initiative, the Salesians have committed to distributing meals to children, inviting them to consume them in a safe and welcoming environment. They then organised dances, games and many other activities, to bring a smile to the little ones. The day ended with a moment of prayer and reflection to remember that Christmas is above all a feast of light and love, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Tuutinentza, Ecuador – December 2024 – Students from the Don Bosco Salesian Educational Unit in La Tola, Quito, participated in the Christmas Mission in Tuutinentza, from 20 to 22 December, bringing a message of hope and love to 11 indigenous communities. Accompanied by Fr Peter Vuong Tran, some Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and teachers, the young people visited each community, where they were warmly welcomed. They organised activities for children and adults and led moments of reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, inspired by the Jubilee of Hope. This Christmas Mission has reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to form young people in solidarity, capable of transforming the world in which they live with concrete gestures of love and service to the needy.