Deepen Impact, Reach More
Diana, second from left, loved early ER Christmas parties.
By Dawn Carnill, Director of Christmas Outreach (July 1, 2026)
It’s going to be a very Merry Christmas!
Meet Diana. She grew up in the garbage dump until the government relocated families outside the landfill. Now 40, Diana remembers the crafts, games and blankets distributed during the 2000 Christmas celebration. Today, she works at the recycling station.
Her story remind us what we do matters. A craft. A game. A blanket. A gift. A conversation. These acts of love leave an imprint that lasts for decades.
Diana works at the Recycling Center and appreciates ER.
This year marks 30 years of Christmas Celebrations. Yes, 30 years! While ER is celebrating 25 years of ministry this year (we incorporated as a charitable organization in 2001), our story actually began before that with a simple Christmas party in the Quito Dump. There, God planted the seeds of what would become a ministry impacting lives globally.
During the past three decades, more than 200,000 people have been reached through these celebrations. We continue this incredible tradition, but we need you to be part of the story by praying, giving and going.
Christmas Outreach remains a vital part of ER. We want to share God’s love and celebrate the birth of Christ with those we serve and their communities. We want to introduce people to Jesus, build lasting relationships, and encourage spiritual growth through discipleship.
This year, we invite you to join one of our two Christmas teams going to Quito and South Africa.
Crafts, games, gfits, and faith ignite the Christmas spirit.
You can bring joy to someone who has little reason to smile. Hug a child who needs to know they are loved. Help someone play a game, create a craft or receive a gift. Look someone in the eye and remind them that they are seen, valued and precious to God.
These simple moments may seem small, but they leave a lasting impact—not only on those we serve, but on you.
In addition to Diana, I had the opportunity to speak to another woman who attended our first Christmas parties. I asked her what she remembered most.
Now in her late 60’s, she immediately recalled the craft she was thrilled to make alongside her children. To many of us, a paper craft might seem insignificant. But for a woman whose hands had spent years digging through trash to survive, creating something beautiful with those same hands was unforgettable. This craft became a treasured memory.
This Christmas, you can impact the lives of children, parents, and older adults. You can offer encouragement, hope, and experiences many would never have otherwise. You can help create memories that endure long after the party ends.
Thirty years ago, a Christmas celebration in a garbage dump started something extraordinary. Help write the next chapter! Join one of our teams or make a donation to provide gifts for our parties by contacting me at Christmas@extremeresponse.org.
Visit our ER Christmas web page to learn more.
