SPIRIT LAKE MINISTRY CENTER -- Over 6,000 Christmas gifts in shoe boxes were distributed to children on six reservations in the Dakotas and Minnesota.

The United Methodist Interpreter magazine featured the Shoebox Christmas last summer.  The informative article resulted in 3,079 gifts or 48% were received from churches outside the Dakotas Conference.

The Dakotas Conference through the generosity of our local churches donated 3,336 gifts to the Shoebox Christmas effort.  The grand total of gifts distributed was 6,415. 

The Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota and South Dakota recieved Shoebox Christmas gifts this year for the first time.  "Because of the generousity of so many we were able to add the Standing Rock Reservation," stated Libby Flowers, Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

The list of people who donated gifts and time for the distrubution of gifts is long and large.  "There are far too many people that have donated gifts, funds and time to mention them all here, but please know that we appreciate your generous support and prayers. You have shared the love of Jesus Christ and made the difference the lives of many children and adults. I wish everyone of you could be there to witness the tears of joy when we deliver these small gifts of love. God Bless you all," Mike Flowers, Spirit Lake Ministry Center.