The Christ Child Society was founded in 1887 by Mary Virginia Merrick in Washington, D.C. While a teenager, an accident left her wheelchair bound. Mary did not let that stop her from reaching out to those in need.

Mary heard about a child born Christmas Day to a needy family and set about sewing a layette. She encouraged family and friends to join her in helping other needy children through the Society and establishing settlement houses, day camps, clinics and a children's hospital. Today the Society has over 7,000 members in 37 chapters across the United States.

The Milwaukee chapter, founded in 1948, currently has over 370 members who live in the greater Milwaukee area which includes: Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties. Our members are involved in many service projects that provide assistance, support and encouragement to children regardless of race or creed. We welcome members of all denominations who are united by our desire to help children and who want to create for them a brighter future.

Read about our Red Shoe Award recipients and our Gavel Club members.

1887 - The Christ Child Society is founded in Washington, D.C., by Mary Virginia Merrick, a woman who is confined to her bed or wheelchair after being injured as a teen. Refusing to let her physical condition prevent her from working on behalf of needy children, Mary sews clothing for poor infants and encourages friends to do the same. Her enthusiasm and dedication leads to the establishment of settlement houses, day camps, medical clinics, and a children's hospital. Eventually, some 38 chapters are formed with more than 7,000 members in 18 states.

1948 - Milwaukeean Marjory Wilmot learns of the National Christ Child Society during a visit to Detroit, Michigan. With eight charter members, the Milwaukee Chapter of the Christ Child Society first distributes eleven layettes to the Milwaukee Catholic Social Welfare Bureau.

1950s - The Chapter continues to grow, holding teas and other fundraisers. They provide more layettes, feed babies at orphanages, sew Easter dresses and pledge funds for the St. John's Home for the Deaf. At St. John's, members work in classrooms and plan monthly outings for children. They continuously identify children in need and devise projects to assist and care for them.

1960s - The chapter initiates its popular rummage sale. Originally planned as a fundraiser only, over the years the event raises thousands of dollars and helps many families inexpensively clothe their children while maintaining their dignity.

1970s - In addition to its usual projects, the Chapter continues to be aware of current needs. At the request of military servicemen, members collect clothing for the needy in Vietnam.

1980s - Following the Society's policy of finding a need and filling it, CCS works with many organizations, including St. Francis Children's Center, Penfield Center, Ronald McDonald House, Hope Network and more. Along with other projects, members continue sewing, carrying babies to foster homes and escorting older children to new homes.

1990s - The Chapter receives more community recognition than it had ever known when it collaborates with Channel 6 to ship layettes to an area decimated by Hurricane Andrew. Involvement with 19 community organizations indicates the greatest need facing children is to establish healthy, parenting practices. To accomplish this, the Chapter finds a location -- the Merrick Center at 4040 North 66th Street -- to house administration, a resale shop, layettes and other Chapter activities.

Today - The signature layette program has expanded and is now part of the "Follow the Child" Project, funded by the "Shower of Love" luncheon. Almost 1,900 layettes are requested by 16 agencies and 7 hospitals to clothe needy infants. An outreach program "Second Saturday" challenges poverty one child at a time by offering layette recipients the opportunity to bring their children to the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center and engage in family centered activities which foster literacy, learning and positive family interaction. Scholarships totaling $20,000 are awarded to individuals, families and children. Supportive aides work with the children of nearby Our Lady of Sorrows School, a model within the Archdiocese. The "My Stuff" bags project expands and provides necessities at 6 social service agencies for children removed from abusive or neglectful situations or natural disasters. Through these works, the Chapter continues to grow and reach out to children in need in our community.