Possibly Mary Virginia Merrick's greatest legacy is the thousands of children assisted through the National Christ Child Society and its chapters spread across the United States. Today, 6,000 members in 42 chapters carry on her legacy of service to children out of a love for the Christ Child.
Learn more at our website, including how you can become a part of the Christ Child Society by volunteering with a local chapter.
History of the Christ Child Society (The Social Welfare History Project)
Programs
Christ Child chapters challenge poverty one child at a time, through services that include:
Newborns and their families
- Infant layettes for new mothers and their babies
- Offering support to families who have lost a child at birth with bereavement layettes
- Partnering with agencies to teach parenting skills
Pre-school age children
- Mentoring and emotional support for parents and children
- Educational tools and tutoring activities for disadvantaged children
- Programs for special-needs children
School age children
- Reading, tutoring and mentoring programs
- Support, education and counseling to parents and children in crises
- Supplying clothing, shoes and school uniforms
- Programs for building leadership and self esteem
Community
- Facility for the care and treatment of emotionally disturbed and abused children
- Partnering with community agencies for a variety of programs
- Sponsoring clubs, activities and camps
- Operating centers for free and low cost apparel