Children who qualify for the Head Start Program receive a colorful backpack filled with educational supplies, toiletries, and change of clothing including socks and underwear. Members meet at the Christ Child House to assemble the items in the backpack, which includes a fleece blanket made by the “Blanket Brigade” volunteers–members who work all year long making blankets in their own homes or by meeting once a month at the Christ Child House. The Head Start Programs provide the project chair with the number of backpacks needed for their specific location. Volunteers assist the project chair in delivering the completed backpacks to Head Start Programs in Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego Counties. In 2020, 320 backpacks were delivered.
In the winter, these children also receive hats and mittens from our organization.
The society also purchased 90 copies of the book “Pete the Cat Goes Camping” and distributed them to Head Start students in five locations in Emmet County.
You can be a part of this rewarding program by Joining Us in the Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan or by donating for the backpacks and supplies.