The Northern Michigan Chapter History

"Nothing is ever too much to do for a child."

Our chapter was founded in 1982 by Jo Ann Donnelly and 15 of her close friends who were
dedicated to serving children in need. The first meeting was a luncheon at JoAnn Donnelly’s
home on September 23, 1982. The idea of starting a Christ Child Society chapter was
discussed, followed by what they could do, where to begin, and procedures to follow. It was
decided at that time our chapter would be ecumenical- welcoming members of all religious
beliefs.

Ten years later, at the August, 1993 Board Meeting, two dedicated and generous members,
Mary Cay Jones and Mary Lee Moon, announced they had purchased a house and would like to
donate the use of this house to our chapter, rent free. Our chapter had found a home!

Our VISION is to serve impoverished children and those with special needs in Northern
Michigan.

Our MISSION is to serve the needs of infants and children in Northern Michigan, without
prejudice, through the personal service of our membership, in the love and spirit of the Christ
Child. Our ecumenical chapter membership is comprised of compassionate and actively
involved volunteers assisting children requiring clothing, food, educational support, as well as
those families needing short term financial aid for their child. Funding of our mission is derived
from chapter fundraising activities, grants, and generous donors.

Over the years, our chapter has been engaged in many service projects: Layettes for newborns
(our signature project), backpacks for Head Start, Shower of Love (back to school clothing and
shoes), Community Outreach (extension of Shower of Love throughout the school year), Read
to Me (reading to preschoolers), Foster Care Kits (basic needs for children being taken from
their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs), School Outreach ( assisting teachers in
the classrooms), Christmas Families (gifts of toys, clothing and food), College Scholarships, and
more.