Concern about children who have been removed from homes because of abuse, neglect or natural disaster led Christ Child Society members to initiate the My Stuff Bags program. Often, children in crisis leave home suddenly or without notice to pack clothing or personal items.

My Stuff Bags are given to social service agencies for distribution to children in crisis. They bring comfort to children placed in difficult situations and remind them that someone cares about them.

Members purchase, collect, and make items for the My Stuff Bags, which are filled with the following essential items for children sizes 2 to 18:

• 1 pair of pajamas
• 2 shirts
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of underpants
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• hair brush
• 1 stuffed animal or Nerf football
• deodorant for older children
• hat, scarf, and mittens in winter

All items are packed in a canvas bag that the child owns (with a spot for their name on it) as a tool to empower them.

Even with the most cost-effective shopping, My Stuff Bags are costly to assemble. Each My Stuff bag is valued at approximately $75.

Every year, Christ Child Society’s Milwaukee Chapter distributes approximately 1,000 My Stuff Bags through agencies in the Greater Milwaukee area. Members meet on the first Thursday of each month to assemble My Stuff Bags.

The mission of the Second Saturday Program is to help mothers and their children by providing a regular meeting place where they can participate in social and educational activities with an emphasis on reading. As the name implies, the program meets on the second Saturday of the month, from September through May, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Second Saturday program encourages literacy. Members read to children at each meeting, followed by an activity or craft project. Each family is given a book to take home. A variety of educational and recreational programs for mothers are provided, including stress reduction exercises, a craft project, and journaling. A volunteer pediatrician or nurse we call “The Doctor is In” answers questions for mothers.

Lunch is provided for all in attendance. Volunteers from area schools assist at Second Saturday by planning craft projects, donating snacks and lunch items, and as student volunteers. For more information about volunteering at Second Saturday, contact us at 414-540-0489.

Christ Child Society members volunteer throughout the school year at Blessed Savior South Elementary School as tutors.  They help and encourage children to become better students and assist teachers in many ways. The Christ Child Society Milwaukee Chapter is pleased to have provided the following support for students, teachers, and staff:

• Computers, computer maintenance, and software for the computer lab
• Two mimeos that make the Smartboard available to all grades
• An Internet connection for each classroom
• Books and materials to update the school’s library
• Books and school supplies
• Funding for teacher computer education and training

Through these gifts, the Christ Child Society hopes to create an environment that cultivates  a love of learning among students, fosters self-esteem, and improves math and reading skills.

School Support Services assists schools by helping to supplement various programs that benefit their students. The following schools received financial support from the Christ Child Society for 2021-2022:

• St. Joan Antida High School
• St. Coletta’s Day School of Milwaukee
• Messmer Catholic Schools
• Blessed Savior South Elementary School

During the school year, Christ Child Society members, who are certified as children vision screeners by Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, conduct vision screenings at parochial schools in the Greater Milwaukee area. Several hundred children (pre-school students as well as older identified students) are screened. Approximately, 10% of the children are referred for a complete eye exam. For students who qualify financially, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin can provide free eye exams and glasses.