Each Christmas season, United Methodists from across the Dakotas Conference and beyond bring the gifts of Jesus in a shoebox.  Shoebox Christmas gifts are distributed to over 6,000 children across five Native American reservations in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

Mike and Libby Flowers, co-directors at Spirit Lake Ministry Center in Sheyenne, ND coordinate the collection and distribution of the shoebox Christmas gifts. “We will be collecting gifts from churches around the middle of November, “ said Mike Flowers.

On the reservation, up to 70 percent of the children would not get a Christmas gift if not for the Shoebox Christmas Gift program and the generosity of the people that donate to this wonderful ministry. Photo from video by Kent Taylor, Dakotas UMC.

What is in a Shoebox Christmas gift? To start, wrap the bottom and top of a shoebox separately with Christmas gift wrapping paper.  Add items that you purchase into the box. If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, ask them what they would like for Christmas. Add that, a few more small gifts, some candy, a winter hat, mittens or gloves, place a rubber band around the box and the top. Label the box with the age group and gender of the child on top of the box. Use the following age groups when you create your label:  infant, toddler, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13 and up. Please only add new toys and please don't put any clothing except the hats/gloves or mittens in the boxes.

Arrangements have been made to pick up Shoebox Christmas gifts at the sites and churches listed below. Please be sure and contact the drop-off site closest to you before you go to make sure the church is open and there is someone ready to receive your Shoeboxes: Nov 14 - The Celebration at Brandon, SD; Nov 14 - Conference Office, Mitchell, SD; Nov 27 - First UMC Pierre, SD*; Nov 15- McCabe UMC Bismarck, ND; Nov 16 - Vincent UMC Minot, ND; Nov. 27- Rapid City Canyon Lake UMC*; Nov 17 - Wesley UMC Grand Forks ND; Nov 18 - First UMC Fargo, ND. Photo from video by Kent Taylor, Dakotas UMC.

*Gifts delivered to these sites will go to Tree of Life in Mission, SD.

Churches and individuals in the Rapid City area can coordinate Shoebox Christmas gifts with Rapid City Knollwood Heights UMC.  Churches and individuals in the Aberdeen area should contact Aberdeen North Highland UMC.

“We want to thank each congregation and person that participates in the Shoebox Christmas program.  You are responsible for making so many children happy over the Christmas season. You truly share the love of Jesus Christ with every shoebox you send,” said Mike and Libby Flowers.

Click here for a list of suggested items for Shoebox Christmas gifts

Warmth of the Spirit from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.