Where love leads to action – helping newborns in need
The Christ Child Society of Central Illinois held its annual meeting and election of officers on May 15, 2024 at the Family Resource Center in Peoria.
This local volunteer organization, part of the National Christ Child Society, provides layettes – collections of clothing and supplies – for newborns in need. Each layette includes a baby blanket, sleep sack, onesies, hats, diapers, prayer card, book and many other useful items for a newborn baby and its mother.
INITIATED BY BISHOP EMERITUS DANIEL JENKY
Each layette includes a baby blanket, sleep sack, onesies, hats, diapers, prayer card, book and many other useful items for a newborn baby and its mother.”
These volunteers donate time and talent to handmake and assemble the layettes. Many hospitals and clinics in Central Illinois benefit from the baby supplies donated by the organization.
New officers for 2024-25 are as follows: Phyllis Duncan, treasurer; Therese Peck, corresponding secretary; Terrie Myers, second vice president and layette chair; and Ingrid Ruschelmski, circle liaison.
The following members will continue their positions for one more year: Beth Miller, president, newsletter editor and historian; Kathy Stomberg, recording secretary; Kay Gray, membership chair; Joan Weber, historian; and Carol Romanowski, Marle Brien and Paula Rezac, finance committee.
AWARD-WINNING VOLUNTEERS
The Wanda Kirby Award – the top award of the local chapter and named after one of its founding members – was presented to Carol Romanowski of the Peoria circle and Shari Paris of the Pontiac circle.
Shari Paris (left) and Carol Romanowski were the 2024 recipients of the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois Wanda Kirby Award. Provided photo/Beth Miller.
Award criteria include reflecting the example set by the national organization’s founder, Mary Virginia Merrick; demonstrating love and concern for all of God’s children; service on the board; and active participation in the organization’s many activities.
Award criteria (Wanda Kirby Award) include . . . ‘demonstrating love and concern for all of God’s children.'”
The Red Wagon Award was presented to Debra Watson from the El Paso circle. Award criteria include participating in fundraising activities and the production of layette items, spreading the word about the organization and recruiting new members.
Circle recognitions were presented to Nancy Giovanini from the Pontiac circle and Christy Kline from the El Paso circle. Award criteria include attendance at meetings, production of layette items and networking with other circle members.
The Christ Child Society of Central Illinois is one of only two chapters in the state; the other is in the Quad Cities. This small chapter is doing big things to help support newborns and their mothers. To donate funds or supplies, contact presccspeoria@yahoo.com or call 309-677-7697.
