History

Over one hundred years ago, a young lady's acts of love for poor children in Washington, D.C. began what today is the Christ Child Society. Having been paralyzed in a childhood fall, Mary Virginia Merrick was sentenced to life in a reclining position. This child of privilege, a descendent of the Calvert’s of Maryland, dedicated her life to serving needy children in the name of the Christ Child.

In 1884, Miss Merrick heard about an unborn baby expected in an impoverished family. She invited her sisters and friends to sew a layette for the infant due at Christmastime. The baby girl, named Mary was the recipient of Mary Virginia's first organized act of love.

The baby became a symbol and so did a little boy named Paul during that same Christmas season. The son of the Merrick family laundress had designated himself Mary Virginia's errand boy. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, little Paul replied that he wanted a red wagon. However, he said there would be no Christmas at his house because his father had no work.

Remembering all her past happy Christmas days, Mary Virginia suggested that Paul write a letter to the Christ Child and ask for the red wagon. To the young boy's question, "Who's He?" her response was, "He is the giver of all good gifts." While puzzled, Paul thought it was worth a try. In a few days re returned to Miss Merrick's side with a handful of letters written by his brothers and sisters and little playmates.

Mary Virginia, once again, shared this opportunity with her sisters and friends. All the children's Christmas requests were filled and had tags that simply read "From the Christ Child”. With these first gifts and the dedication to enhance the lives of needy children, the Christ Child Society was formal organized in 1887.

In the early twentieth century, branches of the Society were in operation as far away as Omaha, New York City, and Chicago. In 1916, they were federated into a national organization. Today, there are 40 chapters and over 7,100 members in 18 states and the District of Columbia. The Columbus Chapter of The Christ Child Society was established in 1981.

**Courtesy of National Christ Child Society