The Christ Child Society of Summit provides layettes to newborns at local hospitals and other local social services organizations. 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.
Every Christ Child Society chapter in our country provides layettes to needy newborns in their area. The layettes are the signature and founding project of the National Christ Child Society. Layettes are one of the common threads that weave us together with all of the other CCS chapters. All chapter layettes are different, but all include the necessary items to get a newborn started in life.
Our layettes include 5 onesies, 2 pajamas, 1 outfit, 1 hat, 2 receiving blankets, 1 miscellaneous item, and one handmade blanket or knitted sweater.
School supply drive
Members initiated our first school supply collection in the spring of 2008, after the rising number of local children in need was identified. The drive provides essential supplies for elementary, middle, and high school children. Items are collected each year for distribution in September.
We have partnered with a local non-profit, Bridges Outreach, and Westy Self Storage in Chatham, NJ to ensure that all Summit children who need assistance are given the necessary supplies to start their school year off right.
The infant and toddler learning center at central high school
Members of the Christ Child Society of Summit have enjoyed visits to 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.
The Summit Chapter became involved in 2011 in supporting the learning center by donating items such as infant layettes, infant car items, books, clothing, and party supplies for school holiday celebrations. We also held a job workshop for teen parents in the spring of 2011, and a coat drive in the fall. We are currently providing volunteers for the Early Learning Center each month, where fortunate CCS members have recently been treated to fun and inspiring visits with the very adorable infants and toddlers.
This project is part of the National Christ Child Society’s program initiative: “Challenging Poverty, One Child at a Time.”
