Every life is a gift, a reflection of God’s love, and deserves to be cherished and nurtured. This belief reminds us that every child is worthy and blessed regardless of his or her circumstances. Mary Virginia Merrick embodied this truth in the Christ Child Society she founded. Despite her own physical challenges, she dedicated herself to serving children in need, ensuring that each was treated with the dignity and love they deserve.

Paralyzed after a fall in her early teens, Merrick and others began sewing layettes in honor of the “Christ Child,” something the 17-year old could do from her reclined wheelchair. She also encouraged children to write the Christ Child with their needs and wants. One boy, whose father was out of work, wrote a letter at Merrick’s encouragement and, on Christmas day, received the red wagon he’d wanted.

The Christ Child mission expanded, and Merrick created the Christ Child Society in 1887. Spreading from its original roots in Washington, D.C., to nearly 50 communities throughout the U.S., the organization has one of its oldest chapters in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati: the Christ Child Society of Dayton. Formed in 1911 by sisters Helen and Marie Rotterman, this chapter successfully aids at-risk children, regardless of creed, by providing emotional, physical and spiritual support.

Marilyn McMichael, Board President of the Christ Child Society of Dayton, said, “We are proud to have more than 150 members, some boasting more than 50 years of service.”

The Dayton chapter’s volunteers host numerous service projects, spiritual events and social activities to benefit the children. This includes running their Clothe-A-Child program, helping at the Dayton Early College Academy, providing monthly dinners for children attending the Oak Tree Corner (which assists children who recently experienced the death of a loved one), and holding Mass monthly on the first Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Never forgetting its roots, the organization continues to make layettes as well.

“Layettes are still a big part of our program,” said McMichael. “Last year, we distributed 1,500 layettes to young families through Catholic Social Services, Elizabeth New Life Center and six other local agencies.”

Run solely on donations, the Dayton charter’s signature event is the Red Wagon Luncheon, held this year on Nov. 1 in the Ponitz Center at Sinclair Community College.

Anne Mahoney, Provisional Co-Chair on the Society’s Board, said the organization’s work and its members are “the best kept secret in the area,” and more members are always needed and welcomed!

“A member first becomes a provisional [for one year] and volunteers in the services that they feel most interest them,” said Mahoney. “[We] meet with anyone who is interested in finding out about our Society, and, should they decide to join, we are there to assist in any way we can.”

Through their tireless efforts and commitment to service, the volunteers with the Christ Child Society of Dayton carry on Merrick’s legacy, ensuring that no child is overlooked or forgotten. As Merrick herself once said, “Nothing is ever too much to do for a child.”

Learn more about the Christ Child Society of Dayton at christchildsocietyofdayton.org.

This article appeared in the October 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.