The Christ Child Society traces its origins to 1884 when its founder, Mary Virginia Merrick, made the first layette, or baby, “welcome kit” for an infant in Washington, D.C. This simple act of charity remains the inspiration today of the Cape May County chapter to continue to provide babies and children with basic life needs by providing a variety of services to local communities.
The Cape May County chapter received its charter in 1984. There are 65 volunteer members who work diligently with 30 charitable agencies and schools in our area. The mottos “Challenging Poverty, One Child at a Time” and “Nothing is Too Much to Do for a Child” energize each member to help children in need. Meetings are held every month from September to June, and new members are welcome.
Members shop for and distribute cribs, mattresses, car seats, PJs, socks, underwear and sweat pant outfits to keep babies and children safe and warm. Since November of last year, 520 new winter coats have been supplied to children in need. Necessities such as diapers, wipes, complete infant layettes, formula and shoe vouchers are distributed. Gently used clothing is collected and distributed when available. Bereavement sets are lovingly sewn and embroidered for infants who are stillborn or die after birth, and given to hospital social workers.
The society branched out this past year by supporting programs that address the development of children’s language and literacy. This is essential for academic and eventually economic success. Members volunteer providing assistance to children in pre-school classes. Books for young children are also distributed.
Fundraising and donations are the only source of revenue received by the Christ Child Society. Members work months in advance of events, soliciting local businesses and friends for donations. Members sell raffle and event tickets in order to continue supplying basic items needed. ln December, members contribute underwear, sweatpants and socks when they attend the Red Wagon luncheon. A Baby Shower is held in October. The Spring Fling Luncheon, held in April, is the major fundraising event: prize raffles and a Chinese auction add fun, fellowship and profit to the day.
For more information, visit the website at www.christchildcmc.org or call (609) 602-7682. Monetary donations are always appreciated and can be sent to CCS, P.O. Box 882, N. Cape May, NJ 08204.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
