25 Years of Compassion: Christ Child Society of Milwaukee’s My Stuff Bag Program

A recent $5,000 grant from Herb Kohl Philanthropies marks a milestone year for the Christ Child Society of Milwaukee’s My Stuff Bag program, now celebrating its 25th anniversary. This generous donation is dedicated to expanding the program’s reach, specifically funding new toddler bags for children in need.

A Legacy of Service

Since its inception in 2000, My Stuff Bags have provided comfort and dignity to children aged two through 18 living in shelters and foster care throughout Greater Milwaukee. Over the past 25 years, the program has delivered more than 5,000 bags, with the number increasing annually – a testament to both the growing need and the unwavering commitment of volunteers.

Despite disruptions during the pandemic in 2020–21, the program adapted, finding alternative assembly locations and continuing deliveries for seven months that year. Today, a dedicated team of 20–25 volunteers sorts and assembles bags monthly, contributing over 1,800 hours each year. Three volunteers personally deliver bags to six shelters, ensuring every child receives a package of essentials and comfort items.

The shelters include:

  • Milwaukee Women’s Center
  • Children’s Services
  • The Cathedral Center
  • Meta House
  • Joy House
  • The New Horizon Center, including foster care and Catherine Early Childhood Development Center

What’s Inside a My Stuff Bag?

Each bag is thoughtfully packed with age-appropriate new clothing, hygiene items and comfort objects:

  • Pajamas, shirts, underwear, socks
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush or comb
  • Deodorant for older children
  • Stuffed animals for younger children; foam footballs for boys 8+
  • Winter hats and gloves (seasonal)
  • Toddler bags (ages 6–18 months) include sleepwear, onesies, sleep sacks, towels, shampoo, sippy cups, board books, and diapers.

The contents are regularly updated based on feedback from shelter staff, ensuring the program meets the real needs of children and families.

Leadership and Community Support

The program’s success is rooted in strong leadership and community partnerships. Pat Lye, Hartland, and Kathy Lau, Fox Point, have co-chaired My Stuff Bags for the past three years, building on the foundation laid by Judy Keenan, New Berlin, who led the initiative for over two decades.

Six Milwaukee-area parishes partner with CCS during Advent, contributing gift cards and supplies, while members purchase and donate additional items. Grants and in-kind donations have been vital, including a $5,000 grant from the Evan and Marian Helfaer Foundation in 2022, which supported both Layette and My Stuff Bags programs.

Responding to Changing Needs

One notable trend is the increase in older children (ages 16–18) in shelters and foster care, driving up the cost and complexity of providing appropriate clothing. The addition of toddler bags in April 2024 was a direct response to shelter feedback, ensuring even the youngest children are cared for. The program remains flexible and open to serving new shelters and agencies as needs arise.

“We don’t receive the same type of personal items from any other organizations or charities. This makes My Stuff Bag even more special. You are truly a blessing to us, and we are so thankful for your continued support, said Fazie Wellskopf, assistant director, Milwaukee Rescue Mission – Joy House.

Looking Ahead

“As My Stuff Bags celebrates 25 years, the Christ Child Society of Milwaukee continues to embody compassion, adaptability, and community spirit. The recent Herb Kohl Philanthropies grant is both a recognition of past achievements and an investment in the future—ensuring that every child in need receives not just essentials, but a message of hope and care,” said Kathy Lau, My Stuff co-chair.

A Southeastern Wisconsin nonprofit serving children since 1948, the Milwaukee Chapter of the Christ Child Society’s 200+ members impact the lives of thousands of children in small but important ways through schools, shelters, hospitals and outings. Current efforts are funded through donations and a resale shop at 4033 W. Good Hope Rd. Activities are centered on the “Follow the Child” programs, including distributing over 1,800 newborn clothes, books and care items to families through hospitals and social service agencies; assembling over 1,000 bags of new clothing and supplies and distributing to six shelters and agencies for children in crisis removed from their homes; offering monthly arts & crafts, lunch and reading programs for moms and children; and conducting vision screening for more than 800 children at 16 parochial schools to be sure the children are ready to read.

For more information, contact Kathy Lau at kasaboo71@hotmail.com; call the Christ Child Society Merrick Center at 414-540-0489; or visit ChristChildMilwaukee.org.