The Layette Program

This is our signature project. Our founder, Mary Virginia Merrick, devoted her life to ensure that newborns received needed clothing and supplies during their early development. All Christ Child Chapters throughout the U.S carry on this tradition.

This two-day project is held at the Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club every October.  The Christ Child chair orders the items, which are then stored at Birchwood.  The layette contains sleepers, onesies, blankets, books,  a handmade knitted item, and many other items.   Christ Child Society members and non-members knit all year long in preparation for this event.

The Child Abuse Council of Charlevoix and Emmet Counties is promoting a statewide initiative called “Safe Sleep”. The goal of this council is to educate parents, grandparents and caregivers about safe sleep practices for infants. Christ Child Society is now participating in evidence based safe sleep practices by providing a new item called a “sleep sack” (a zip-up pajama bag).

In 2022, 220 layettes for newborns were assembled and delivered to health departments in Emmet, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Antrim and Otsego Counties.

I’d like to help…

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 supplies to make our Layettes.