To the editor:
I would like to extend a much belated but heartfelt “thank you” to the amazing people of this community, the Leelanau Community Church family, and to all the churches of Leelanau County who helped make 2024 Operation Christmas Child the most successful ever! Together, from this community alone, we were able to collect 1,124 shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items to be sent to needy children around the world! A simple gift to let children know that God loves them. Many of these children have never received a gift in their lives.
According to officials with Samaritan’s Purse, 10.5 million shoebox gifts were collected throughout the United States in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide. We are so proud to be a part of this worldwide effort to reach children in over 100 countries, including our own.
