The Operation Christmas Child project, organized by Samaritan’s Purse, saw overwhelming support from the Detroit Lakes community this past holiday season. Through local efforts, residents helped bring joy and hope to children in need by contributing to the project’s 10.5 million shoebox gifts collected across the U.S. in 2024. Globally, 11.9 million gift boxes will soon be delivered to children around the world.
Since its founding in 1993, the initiative has reached children in over 170 countries, delivering more than 232 million shoebox gifts filled with personalized items and essentials. For many children, these gifts are the first they’ve ever received and serve as a message of love and hope.
Hannah Murphy, Marketing and Media Relations Associate for Operation Christmas Child, highlighted how participants from Detroit Lakes shop year-round and volunteer to pack these meaningful gifts. “These simple gifts, packed with love, remind children around the world that they are loved and not forgotten,” Murphy said.
Local drop-off locations will reopen from November 17–24, 2025, but residents can continue to support the effort by building a shoebox gift online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
For more information or to volunteer year-round, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Detroit Lakes Generosity Shines Through Operation Christmas Child
Jan 30, 2025 | 6:43 AM