The Christ Child Society in Pasadena has a long-standing tradition of providing assistance to children from low-income families with infants in the San Gabriel Valley. Since its inception in 1933, the organization has been assembling layettes to support new mothers in the community. This tradition harks back to 1884 when Mary Virginia Merrick assembled the first layette for an impoverished infant in her community, setting a precedent for generosity and care for disadvantaged children that continues to this day.
The layettes assembled by the Christ Child Society offer new mothers some of the essential items needed for their infants.
The Layette committee convenes five times a year at the St. Andrew’s Pastoral Center in downtown Pasadena, where dedicated members come together to assemble these layettes.
A significant aspect of the Christ Child Society’s efforts is the involvement of devoted knitters who contribute handmade blankets, booties, and caps to be included in each layette. Their craftsmanship adds a personal touch and warmth to the items provided to families in need.
Once assembled, the layettes are distributed to various organizations throughout the area, including parishes, hospitals, pregnancy help centers, children’s services, and Catholic charity organizations. This widespread distribution ensures that the assistance reaches those who need it most within the community.
Through its longstanding commitment to supporting families with infants, the Christ Child Society continues to uphold its mission of providing essential care and assistance to those in need, carrying forward a tradition of compassion and generosity that has spanned over a century.
Please contact the co-chairs of the Layette committee with any questions or if you are interested in joining. View the calendar for meeting days and times.
Learn more about being a part of Christ Child Society of Pasadena.