Layette House and Program

Our arms are outstretched to new mothers-in-need….

Our arms are outstretched sharing hope and courage…

Layettes
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Christ Child House
Jonathan’s Story

We need your help!

The 2023 Layette Appeal is live - please consider donating to help make this a reality.

2023 Layette donations

The cornerstone of every Chapter of Christ Child Society is the Layette Program.

Our inspiration dates back to 1884 when Christ Child Society founder, Mary Virginia Merrick, was told about a woman soon to give birth who had no clothes for her baby. Quickly organizing her sisters and friends, Mary Virginia provided a complete layette in time for the new arrival.

Layettes are packages of clothing and supplies for newborn infants. Each layette includes a sleep sack, flannel receiving blanket, hooded towel, washcloth, body suit, sleeper, gown, burp cloth, cap and socks. Christ Child Society members and their community groups also provide hand knit blankets, caps, booties and bibs.

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Our Program

The Detroit Layette program began in the basement of the Joy Road Christ Child House, and in 2004, moved into a separate building located on Crooks Road in Clawson.

Twice a month, Christ Child Society members gather at the Layette House and open new merchandise, divide it among shelving units for easier distribution and assemble the number of requested layettes for various agencies.

Each year, more than 2,000 layettes are distributed to dozens of agencies throughout metro Detroit.

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It is through the generosity of our Christ Child members and the dedication of our wonderful volunteers that we are able to provide much needed items to new mothers-in-need and their babies, just as Mary Virginia Merrick had envisioned.

Recipient Agencies

  • All My Children

  • Babies R Precious

  • Children’s Aid Society

  • Crystal Home Health Care

  • Gentle Hearts

  • Impact Community Health

  • IPH

  • Jumpstart

  • Lennon Center

  • Little Tots & Moms

  • Maternal Partners

  • MOST

  • New St. Paul

  • NIA Purpose for Life

  • Second Chance

  • Silverspoons

  • Great Start

  • Glorious

  • Mother’s Friend

  • Mother & Unborn Baby Care (MAUBC)

  • Peace Home Health Services

  • Small Treasures

  • Wings of Angels

  • Moms, Dads & Babes

  • HFA Wayne

  • Women in Touch

Patterns

The Christ Child Society Layette Program is so appreciative of our hand knitters and fleece blanket makers. Above are a few patterns to help you get started but please feel free to use your own. Including a hand-made item makes each of our layettes unique and special. Once completed, please email [email protected] and we will make pick up or drop off arrangements. Thank you for your generosity!