History: 

Born in 1866, our founder, Mary Virginia Merrick, lived her life as an invalid due to a childhood fall.  Despite this, Mary was mindful of others, first helping a new mother by making her baby clothes. 

Later she asked an errand boy what he was getting for Christmas.   The  boy said  he  wanted  a  red  wagon,  but his father was out of work.  Mary suggested he write to the Christ Child, “the Giver of all Gifts.”  The boy quickly returned with a  fistful  of  letters from  his  siblings and  neighbors. With help from her friends  Mary fulfilled  the children’s  wishes and  the  Christ  Child Society began.     

Through her efforts, Christ Child Chapters spread across the U.S. Today 42 chapters serve many people in their individual communities . 

Since 1911, the Dayton Chapter has provided the service that is common to all chapters: giving   layettes to mothers in need.  Each chapter chooses additional projects in response to community needs.   Because of her inspiring  life,  Mary  Virginia   Merrick  is presently a candidate for canonization to sainthood.

Sources of Funding: