HOW THE CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY BEGAN
Mary Virginia Merrick started the Society in 1887 in Washington DC, providing layettes to babies born at Christmas time. Though paralyzed and confined to a wheel chair, she resolved to do something every day for the Christ Child and encouraged family and friends to join her efforts. Today, 6,000 members in 38 chapters across 20 states are dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives, offering basic needs support, delivered with love and respect. Miss Merrick’s life is currently being studied by the Catholic church for possible canonization as a saint.
