The Christ Child Society provides clothing to infants and children from financially challenged families living in Saint Joseph County, Indiana.

Qualifying infants born at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Saint Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka, and Memorial Hospital may receive a layette at the hospital containing clothing and baby essentials. These layettes are provided by the social services office of the hospital. In some cases, the hospital staff is upable to give out layettes so if your baby qualifies but you did not receive one at the hospital, please visit the Christ Child Clothing Center.

Qualifying children ages 1 through 12 can receive new winter outfits from the Christ Child Clothing Center. Please note, we do not provide school supplies. Families wishing to get clothing MUST have a referral form from one of the various agencies and schools that partner with the Christ Child Society and the proper paperwork. For information on referrals and paperwork [click here].

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1. Signed and dated Referral Form from one our partnering social service agencies, schools or churchs on that organization's letterhead. For a list of referral souces [click here].
2. Birth certificate for each child listed on the letter.
3. Social Security card for each child (Exceptions may be made for those children who do not have Social Security numbers.)
4. Photo ID of parent/guardian.

If you have received clothing from us in the past and have the yellow Christ Child Card you must bring the following:

1. Signed and dated Referral Form from one our partnering social service agencies, schools or churchs on that organization's letterhead. For a list of referral souces [click here].
2. The Yellow Christ Child Card
3. If you're receiving clothing for children not given clothing in the past bring:
   1. Birth certificate for each "new" child listed on the letter.
   2. Social Security card for the "new" childen(Exceptions may be made for those children who do not have Social Security numbers.)
4. Photo ID of parent/guardian.

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What to expect when coming to the Clothing Center

• From 8:30 AM until 10AM numbers are give out on a first come first serve basis. "Saving places" in line is discouraged. No numbers will be given out after 10AM.
• At the time numbers are given, you will be asked if you brought your referral form and proper paper work. We don't want you waiting if you don't have what you need. Often when that happens, a client will run home to get what they need and return to get a number.
• You will be called by number to meet with an interviewer. The interviewer will:
  • Verify your referral form infomation and financial qualifications
  • Review your children's sizes
  • Discuss with you options for other services from other agencies in the area
• You will then begin moving between the different clothing/shoe areas to receive your family's order.
• Orders are filled by Christ Child volunteers and brought to you.
• If we have used items in your children's sizes, you will be given used clothing if you request it during the interview.
• You will be asked to look at the sizes to see if they will fit. If your child is there, we encourage you to have them try their coats.
• Exchanges can be made for size. We are limited on colors and we discourage exchanging items based on color.
• Once you have received all clothing/shoes, your order will be verified by a Christ Child volunteer and you may go home with your goodies.
• EXCHANGES:
  • If an item does not fit your child you may return it during our regular business hours to exchange it for the proper size.
  • You do not need another referral to exchange an item.
  • You do not need to take a number. Let a volunteer know you are there for an exchange.
  • The item must be returned in NEW condition, it may not have been worn.
  • WE DO NOT EXCHANGE USED CLOTHING. If you receive used items that do not fit. Pass them on to someone else.

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• Location: 1124 W. Thomas Street, South Bend, IN 46624 Get Directions to the Clothing Center
• Phone: 574-288-6028 voicemail system
• Clothing Center Hours:

  • Open for clothing distribution August through January
  • Wednesday morning 8:30AM until 11:30AM
  • NOTE: You must arrive by 10AM to get a number - no numbers will be given out past 10AM
  • A few Sunday afternoons will be scheduled for parents with hardships coming on Wednesdays. Check with your referral agency if you need to come on a Sunday. Limited slots are available.
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