Our Mission

The Christ Child Society of Summit is a nondenominational organization that provides volunteers, through their gifts of time and talent, the opportunity to create a positive and immediate impact on the lives of local children in need.

Christ Child Society Prayer

Remember in this sacrifice of
Your own and only Child
all Children everywhere
throughout the world,

and grant that,
like Your Son, as they
increase in years,

they may grow
in grace and wisdom before
You, and in the sight of all,
for the improvement and
saving of the world.
Jesus, the Friend of

little children,
bless the little children

of the whole world.

Our History

The Christ Child Society

The Christ Child Society, founded in 1887 in Washington, D.C. by Mary Virginia Merrick, is a non-profit association of volunteers dedicating their love of the Christ Child through personal service to needy children. Over 100 years later, her legacy continues to bring hope and assistance to the most vulnerable through the work of our 7,000 members in 40 chapters around the country.

The Summit Chapter

The Summit Chapter of the Christ Child Society was originally chartered in 1929. In 2006, our previous president heard about the Christ Child Society and was intrigued about the group. Sitting on the beach, she heard from college friends in Washington, DC about many of the good deeds of the National Christ Child Society. Knowing there was a need in Summit, the chapter was re-established and due to an enthusiastic response, Summit’s membership now boasts over 65 and continues to grow, as women throughout the area dedicate themselves to providing aid and supplies to at-risk children in Summit and neighboring towns.

The Summit Chapter was granted its charter at the National CCS Convention in Cleveland in September of 2010.

How We Serve

Layettes

The Christ Child Society of Summit provides layettes to newborns at local hospitals. Children are referred to our organization through area social service agencies. Clinics are assured that every baby in need will receive a layette. In addition, through the efforts of the “Knitting Angels,” a hand-knit or sewn item completes each package.

Knitting Angels

A group of talented members who we call the “Knitting Angels” coordinate and facilitate the knitting and collection of baby blankets, hats and other handmade items. These unique pieces are received through the generosity and efforts of local schools, senior centers, scout troops, businesses, and individuals. Made with care, they are included as a heartfelt and personal touch in each layette package.

Annual Baby Shower

Each spring, the Summit Chapter sponsors an inspiring mass and baby shower luncheon. This event serves as the major giving source for our layette program. This annual event is widely attended and is fast becoming a highly anticipated tradition.

School Supply Drive

In 2008, members initiated our first school supply collection after the rising number of local children in need was identified. The drive provides essential supplies for elementary, middle and high school children. This year we partnered with a local non-profit, Bridges Outreach, and other community partners, to provide supplies to 356 children in Summit.

Central High School Learning Center

In 2010, the Christ Child Society of Summit began a relationship with The Infant & Toddler Early Learning Center at Central High School in Newark, New Jersey, a new facility that provides free quality day care to children of high school students, with the goal of supporting students’ school life and success.

Members have been supporting the Learning Center by donating items such as infant layettes, infant car items, books, clothing, and party supplies for holiday celebrations. Beginning in 2011, we have held a job workshop for the teen parents in the spring, a coat drive in the fall and have been providing volunteer staff for the Center each month. This project is part of the National Christ Child Society’s program initiative: “Challenging Poverty, One Child at a Time.”

Other

In addition to its ongoing signature projects, each year the Summit Chapter organizes a number of other fundraising events such as a rummage sale, and a shopping night, as well as volunteer opportunities with the Advent Giving Tree and Food Pantry at St Teresa’s Parish in Summit. Layette cards in honor of, or in memory of a loved one are available for sale, with proceeds supporting our layette program.

Our Board Members

Kathryn Colao and Lori White, Co-Presidents

Lambi Newsham, VP (Past President)

Margaret Whelan, VP Outreach

Maura Perier, Treasurer

Terry Andrews, Secretary

Christina Amundson, VP Communications

Rev. Brian Plate and Msgr. Donald Guenther, Spiritual Advisors

Our Committees

Layettes

Knitting Angels

School Supplies Drive

Central High School

Layette Cards

Rummage Sale

Spirituality

Publicity

Baby Shower

Membership

Our Founder

In 1884, a young woman named Mary Virginia Merrick encountered a young boy of an impoverished family who wanted a red wagon. “Write to the Christ Child,” she suggested to him. “He is the giver of all good gifts.” She then proceeded, with her friends, to collect a red wagon and other toys and delivered them to the little boy. The gift tag read “From the Christ Child.”

Her philanthropy did not end there. In 1887, Mary learned of a family in extreme poverty, who was expecting a baby due to arrive at Christmas. Though she herself was confined to a wheelchair as a result of a childhood illness, Mary persuaded her sisters and friends to assemble a layette for this Christmas baby. It was delivered to a deeply grateful mother in time for her joyous event. Mary’s acts of kindness continued, and the “Society of the Christ Child” was born. Since its inception, the guiding principle of the Society has been to give the gift of personal service rendered “for love of the Christ Child to the least of His little ones.”

Today Christ Child Society Chapters across the country, each with their own programs, break the cycle of poverty and serve the needs of children in their communities.

National Christ Child Society website,

click here

The Christ Child Society of Summit