In the summer of 2022, an idea rooted in love took shape in the hearts of two friends- Kathyinla and Vitono Gugu Haralu. A visit to Kingphu village, several kilometres from Dan village under Noklak district along the Indo-Myanmar boundary would soon grow into a movement that continues to touch lives across Nagaland and beyond.
During their visit to Straightway Learning Ark, an educational centre set up by Naga couple Dr. Aotemshi and his wife, the two friends spent an afternoon with children from the village. On their way back to Noklak, Haralu shared that they must do something for the children. In that moment the concept was born but it would not be until October that the two friends decided to name the initiative ‘Love In A Box Movement’. What followed was a series of conversations, prayers, planning and by November, they were sharing posters for their first edition 2022 in Noklak with friends and family through Whatsapp.
“In all honesty, we had only one intention in mind -to bring smiles on the faces of the children in Noklak by surprising them with gift boxes during Christmas season. That is how we would describe the genesis of the Movement in brief,” says the duo.
At its core, the Love In A Box Movement rests on one beautiful belief that kindness in action blesses both the giver and the receiver. Participants are encouraged to pack boxes with goodies of their choice, labeling them with the age and gender of the intended recipient. These boxes are then collected, sorted, and distributed as surprise gifts to children in different villages.The senders make sure that the distribution is a surprise so that they capture the raw emotions and expressions of the children.
“Over the years we have successfully distributed thousands of boxes each carrying with it an unworded message that says: “Here is a box of love to let you know I care for you”. What makes the whole exercise special is that the children who receive the gifts do not know the senders apart from their names but their core memory registers that a kind individual put in the time and effort to make Christmas meaningful for them,” shares Gugu and Kathy.
At the same time, the act of packing a gift and having it sent to a complete stranger is in itself a rewarding experience for the sender. Just like the story of the good Samaritan in the Bible, they hope that this Movement will instill the importance of empathy in the hearts of people.
The children who receive the gifts may not know who their senders are, yet their hearts are touched by the realization that someone, somewhere, thought of them. Similarly, for the senders, the simple act of preparing a gift for a stranger becomes a deeply rewarding experience — a reminder that joy multiplies when shared.
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Why the name ‘Love in a Box Movement’?
The founders chose the name “Love In A Box Movement” to reflect the initiative’s essence about love packed in a box, shared in the spirit of community. The word ‘movement’ was added to remind everyone that this is not just an act but a collective effort to inspire goodwill and connection among people.
Their first edition In Noklak was a test of faith. The team had managed to collect 550 boxes, but transporting them from Dimapur to Noklak was a major challenge. With poor roads, long distances, and unavailability of vehicles during the festive season, the plan seemed uncertain. Yet, their prayers were answered when Sonia Singh (IPS) stepped in and offered to help with transportation. The boxes reached Noklak safely on the night of December 19, just in time for distribution which is a true testament to divine intervention and the power of faith.
Inside the boxes were simple but thoughtful items — stationery, clothes, toys, sweets, and edible treats. Each gift was labeled according to age group and gender, allowing smooth distribution. Yet beyond the gifts themselves, it was the emotions they carried that made the greatest impact.
Kathy and Gugu shared that among the many moments that left a lasting impression was one from the 2022 Noklak edition. While distributing boxes to children near Tsuwao village, the team noticed a little boy, about six years old, who had received a box containing teacups. As his friends unwrapped their gifts of toys and treats, the boy sat quietly in a corner, glancing occasionally at their excitement. Touched by his calmness, the volunteers brought him another box. This time, it contained brand new clothes just his size. The simple moment taught them a lesson in patience, faith, and grace. “The boy could have cried or refused the gift,” one of the founders recalled, “but he waited silently, and what came next was perfect for him. That moment reaffirmed our belief in kindness and perseverance.”
Over the years, Love In A Box Movement has expanded its reach to thousands of children across Nagaland — from Noklak in 2022, Peren in 2023, and Mon in 2024, to Kiphire in 2025. The initiative has also inspired others to carry the torch further.
In 2023, Binny Sangma and his wife Imtila Jamir from Tura (Meghalaya) organized the Tura edition. Around the same time, EAC Orenthung Kikon brought the movement to Shihapumi village under Mokokchung district. In Peren, sisters Imnasenla Rachel and Sungjemish, both well-known figures, shared boxes of love with children of Beisumpuikam village. Another touching collaboration came when NCS officers Molosangla Ozukum and Ruokuosetuo Tetso brought gifts to children at City of Refuge Children’s Home in Tseminyu.
Each collaboration, each new location, adds another ripple of kindness to the ever-growing circle of love. “It’s a people’s movement,” the founders say humbly. “We are only bridges connecting communities. It is the people who give the movement life.”
Like any paths that encounters challenge, the journey of the movement also has its own challenges particularly logistics and transportation. Yet, the team continues to find strength in the generosity of well-wishers and supporters who donate, pray, and encourage them along the way. Educational institutions like Hope Academy Dimapur and Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School have also played a significant role, with teachers and students contributing boxes year after year.
Through it all, the founders have found their deepest joy not in the recognition or numbers but in witnessing love in action. “That has been the most rewarding feeling,” they share. “It has changed how we see life itself. We often chase material things, forgetting that true fulfillment comes from giving. What the world needs now, more than ever, is a touch of kindness.”
The Love In A Box Movement began with just a grain of faith — and today, it continues to grow, proving that when love moves, miracles follow.
According to the founders, by encouraging a child to pack and send a gift to a stranger, they are fostering creative ways through which their children can embrace the importance of reaching out while helping them look beyond classroom walls.
“Over the years, we have been immensely touched by parents who along with their children have participated enthusiastically. We’ve also had countless adults from all walks of life take part in this initiative by sending boxes filled with gifts and prayers,” shares the duo.
