Why We Serve

The signature program of all Christ Child Society Chapters is the Layettes Program. These essential items for newborns include bottles, diapers, clothing and toiletry items that are bundled together to make a layette. We work with community agencies and hospitals in the distribution of layettes to new mothers, often to mothers who have nothing to begin their parenting responsibilities. Children born into difficult circumstances need help; and our dedicated members are there for them.

The Crib Club is a baby store within the Women’s Care Centers in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. Expectant mothers participate in parenting classes and earn coupons to be used in the Crib Club to buy essentials for their baby. Each store is stocked with a variety of newborn through toddler size clothing, diapers, accessories and other items that a child would need in its first years. The Christ Child Society provides and organizes these items and staffs the Crib Club sites. We believe better communities are built when we partner with others to serve children and families in need.

CCSFW partners with area schools and social agencies to help identify children in need. During the month of October, new winter coats, hats and gloves are distributed to preschool through 8th grade students who meet the need-based criteria. Our members receive orders from the schools and agencies, fill the orders and pack them in boxes. The Knights of Columbus deliver coats to the specified school or agency. For participating schools and agencies, see the list of our Community Partners. Over 3,000 new coats were distributed last year through our program.

Through this program, children in crisis are provided a sturdy backpack filled with age-appropriate items such as toiletries, educational and school supplies, reading and activity books and a stuffed animal. The backpacks are provided to homeless children, foster care children and children who are victims of abuse. This backpack is often the only item these children can call "My Stuff".

The Literacy Committee reaches local preschoolers with our “Reading Rangers” Program. Our members read to preschoolers in three area schools. Age-appropriate books are selected, then read to the students during the school year. A craft project that follows the theme of the book completes the session. Each child takes home the new book monthly to share with their parents and siblings along with a letter encouraging family participation. CCSFW members see the Christ Child in every child, treating them with the attention and respect they deserve.

The Sewing Committee contributes beautifully handcrafted items, many of which are embroidered with our Chapter name or logo, to our programs. These items add a personal and loving touch to the offerings of each program and partner agency.  CCSFW provides donated machines on site, as well as sewing materials and notions to area homeless facilities. The Sewing Committee helps by providing their skills to improve disadvantaged children's lives.

The Blessings Program provides the opportunity for partnering agencies to receive a wish list item(s) that would further their work in helping children in need in our community. A few of the wishes granted to date have included sweatpants and underwear for toileting accidents at an area school with a large population of special needs children; sensory items to reduce anxiety for foster children; and baby monitors, car seats, and Pack 'n Plays for local nonprofit agencies that serve mothers and their children.

Upon learning about the number of homeless children in our area schools, Down Under was created. Down Under provides socks and underwear to children who are homeless and to children who have bathroom accidents. Socks and underwear are not only provided to schools, but to our community partners as well.