Our History

JollyBox Global, founded by Madeline Arenas, is a humanitarian organization dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities worldwide.

As a photographer and passionate philanthropist, Madeline is driven to create a lasting positive change.

In 2014, she spearheaded outreach in the Philippines for victims of Typhoon Yolanda. There, she came face-to-face with the harsh realities tribal communities endure — especially young students denied quality education by lack of funding. One moment shifted everything. Madeline saw a social media post mocking a tribal student selling crops with a misspelled sign, calling him “uneducated.” Where others saw ridicule, she saw resilience — and a call to action.

That spark became a flame. As Madeline’s acts of kindness gained traction, her compassion attracted others. By 2017, volunteers began giving their precious time, joining the mission and multiplying its impact.

Today, JollyBox Global focuses on fundraising and spreading awareness about the struggles Indigenous students face staying in school in remote areas of the Philippines. That work is making a difference: enrollment has increased in rural elementary schools JollyBox Global has visited. Closer to home, JollyBox Global also volunteers at Los Angeles shelters supporting wildfire survivors, unhoused individuals in downtown Los Angeles, and domestic violence survivors. Through every backpack, meal, and word of encouragement, Madeline and her growing family of volunteers strive to unlock the full potential of marginalized youth — proving that one person’s kindness can light the way for many.