In December 1884, Mary Virginia Merrick was told about a woman who would soon give birth and who had no clothes for her baby. Quickly organizing her sisters and friends, Mary Virginia provided a complete layette in time for the infant’s arrival. This was the beginning of what became the signature program of the Christ Child Society – the Layette program. Other service programs soon followed as members identified ever-changing needs within the community.

Members lead, organize and support these Follow the Child programs that impact the children in our community:

   INFANTS and CHILDREN
SERVED BY OUR ORGANIZATION
in the 2022-2023 FISCAL YEAR

Infant Layettes

  • Over 1,200 Layettes distributed to hospitals and social service agencies for needy newborns.  A team of approximately 24 women assemble layettes each month.
  • Donated items that could not be used in Layettes were given to 5 agencies.

My Stuff Bags

  • Over 800 My Stuff Bags were assembled and distributed to 6 shelters and agencies for children in crisis removed from their homes.  These bags are assembled by about 20 monthly volunteers.

Second Saturday 

  • After an almost 3 year interruption, Second Saturday started up again in January and participants have increased each month.

School Support Services

  • 4 schools received financial assistance for programs to benefit students
  • CCS has teacher assistants at Blessed Savior South Elementary School

  Vision Screening 

  • 800 children screened by 15 vision screeners at 16 parochial schools 
  • Approximately 10% of the children referred for a complete eye exam