Our Mission

We are a group of volunteers from all faiths dedicated to sharing God's message that every child is truly loved and is created in His image, regardless of their circumstances.

Our History

Humble beginnings of the South Central Michigan Chapter

Two friends in Faith and Service (Diane and Cathy) heard about the Christ Child Society through Cathy’s daughter Ann (a social worker in Northern Michigan). Ann shared a bag of beautiful baby items that all woman who signed up for the WIC program in the county were given.

Attached to this amazing bag filled with essentials for a newborn baby was a tag stating that these bags were given in love by the Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan. On the tag was the phone number and website for this organization. Further investigation of the websites for Northern Michigan as well as the National Christ Child Society told an amazing story of a woman who started this Society in 1887 in Washington D.C. This society has 46 chapters all around the United States doing not only layettes for new babies but countless charitable works for children in the name of the Christ Child. These two friends wanted to bring this same work with the same message to South Central Michigan, so the quest began.

Guided and supported by Randi (Toledo), Katie (Detroit), Diane and Gail (Northern Michigan) as well as Moira and Jane from the National Christ Child Society; Led by the Spirit to search and find 9 other faith-filled individuals who brought a wealth of talent to the table; and a generous donation to get us started. On April 12, 2025, our group was granted official status as a chapter of the Christ Child Society. We hope to have Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties join with Jackson so we can warmly welcome and serve all children of South Central Michigan.

Board of Directors

Sister Carolyn Ratkowski,SM

Felician Children’s Center: Montessori School, Jackson, Michigan.

Wendy Wite

Executive Director of the non-profit “Together We Can Make a Difference” in Jackson, Michigan.

Sue Lewis

Executive Director: Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.

Advisory Board

Cathy Sykes

Diane Tracy

Sister M. Carolyn

Rose Johnson

Jennifer Kelly

Jim & Judy Bartel

Roxanne Crawford

Janette Mefford

Laura Dixon

Denise Lindsay

National History

The Life and Love of Mary Virginia Merrick

The Christ Child Society was started by the remarkable spirit of Mary Virginia Merrick. Born in November of 1866, she possessed a profound desire from an early age to uplift children in need. Despite facing an injury in her teenage years that left her paralyzed and requiring support, Mary’s determination never faltered. She began sewing clothing for destitute children in her community, inspiring friends and fellow volunteers to unite with her in founding what we now recognize as the layette program. In 1887, at just 20 years old, Mary established the Christ Child Society.

Today, this incredible organization embraces 46 chapters across 22 states. Mary’s enduring legacy of compassion continues to light the path for us all, inspiring hope and kindness in our hearts.