Cathy Caruso, president of the Christ Child Society of Cleveland, reflected on her nine years with the organization during the annual Red Wagon Luncheon on May 29 at Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence.
“I was from the suburbs and really didn’t understand the poverty and the need for layettes and school uniforms that the Christ Child Society provides when I was a provisional member,” Caruso told the nearly 1,000 members and guests who gathered for the event. She said while touring Christ Child Society service project sites with this year’s provisional class she saw some confusion on their faces.
“I felt I needed to explain so I spoke up,” she said.
The group traveled to St. Rocco School on Cleveland’s West Side and visited the tiny school library operated by Christ Child Society volunteers. She said there are only a few shelves of books but the children look forward to visiting the library. Caruso explained how many of the children come from poverty and most are from single-parent homes. “Some don’t even have a bed to sleep in. And if they do, they may have to share it with siblings.
“Their faces lit up,” she said of the provisional class. “They got it.”
One of the Christ Child Society missions is to break the cycle of poverty. The group was founded by Virginia Mary Merrick more than 125 years ago. The local chapter, which was organized by Mabel Higgins Mattingly in 1916, has six major programs: layettes, “My Stuff” bags, Children’s Closet, libraries, Showcase Resale Shop and preschool literacy enrichment programs. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving under-resourced children in the love and spirit of the Christ Child.
“Nothing is ever too much to do for a child,” Merrick said.
In addition to providing layettes to infants in need, the local chapter has expanded its outreach to include assisting children of all ages. Layettes include infant clothing – some sewn, knitted or crocheted by members – a hooded towel, washcloth, blankets and the book “Goodnight Moon.” The Children’s Closet provides portable cribs, beds, winter jackets and school uniforms to children in need. Referrals are made by social service agencies. “My Stuff” bags, established in 1992, provide personal items for children living in shelters or transitional housing. Each bag has necessary clothing, an activity book, notebook and markers and is delivered to area shelters to assist abused, neglected or homeless children in order to bring them a sense of love and security.
Preschool literacy enrichment programs include reading to preschoolers and providing them with discussion or activities to reinforce reading and language development. Christ Child Society volunteers also fund and staff the libraries at St. Rocco School and St. Francis School in Cleveland. They assist children in selecting books, read to students and help in the operation of the libraries.
The Showcase Resale Shop, 15404 Madison Ave., Lakewood, is a resale shop staffed by Christ Child Society volunteers and a paid manager. The store has a selection of new, gently used and like-new clothing for men, women and children, shoes, handbags, jewelry, toys, books, housewares, pictures and miscellaneous items. Revenue from the Showcase Resale Shop, proceeds from the organization’s two major fundraisers, member dues and donations help fund the programs.
Susan Ferraro Smith, a past president, and a committee of members are conducting a community needs assessment to ensure the organization’s funds are being spent in the most effective way to best serve the needs of children. She said the process included reviewing the programs, talking with members and meeting with social workers. Although the programs – except for the My Stuff bags -- are duplicated by other agencies, Ferraro Smith said social workers and others tend to reach out to the Christ Child Society.
“Why choose the Christ Child Society? Because our volunteers are caring, loving and soft-spoken like a grandmother,” she said, emphasizing that the volunteers make the difference. “They exceed expectations year after year,” she added. She said many families and children who have been assisted by the society remember it and are grateful. She recalled one 10-year-old who cried because he was so happy to receive a new bed. He told the volunteers who brought it that he had never had a bed.
“It tears at my heart and gnaws at my conscience,” Ferraro Smith said.
The assessment is providing additional information about ways the programs can be improved to provide the biggest impact. Ferraro Smith said the need for hygiene items is being heard often, as well as the continuing need for tutoring. There also is a great need for strollers, car seats, shoes, boots, cleaning supplies and more.
When the committee completes its work, she said members will get recommendations for the future.
“The need of the children is very great,” she added.
The luncheon included a fashion show featuring members who modeled spring clothing from Chico’s. There were vendors offering jewelry, clothing and accessories, a 50/50 raffle, a grand raffle and raffle items.
Father Ralph Wiatrowski, longtime chaplain for the group, offered grace.
Current officers are Cathy Caruso, president; Mary Herrick, president elect; Liz Niehaus, service vice president; Carol Janas, organization vice president and Red Wagon Luncheon chairperson; Meg Kearns, financial secretary; Sue Simon, recording secretary; Jo Ann Lamb, corresponding secretary and Janie Nickodem, past president.
For more information on the Christ Child Society of Cleveland, including its next big fundraiser, the Starlight Soiree on Nov. 2, click HERE.
