One child at a time, the Christ Child Society of South Bend has warmed the hearts, souls, and bodies of children and their families for 79 years.  By providing new clothing, coats, shoes, layettes and books to under-resourced and foster children, financial stress is lessened a bit.  One more child feels confident in his new clothes.  One more child cherishes the book she chose.  A new mother delights in dressing her baby in a hand knit sweater and bonnet. Over a quarter million children have found the dignity of new clothing, the empowerment of education, and the joy of learning to read – thanks to the dedicated volunteers of CCS.  All our programs are supported through generous donations and fundraising like Let Love Shine.

Our expenses have dramatically increased, especially due to the rising cost of shoes and clothing.  Last year’s clothing budget exceeded $690,000 and so far this year we have served over 5300 children. Since the inception of the Foster Hope Program, over 1129 children ages birth to 18 entering foster care have received a personalized tote bag. Because education is a key to challenging poverty, each child served receives a book and CCS members volunteer to support the curriculum of St. Adalbert Catholic School in South Bend. Since 2011 Christ Child has awarded over $86,000 in college and trade school scholarships to the children we’ve served and to parents of our young clients so they can provide a better life for their children.

The Let Love Shine annual dinner and auction shines a light on the CCS programs that serve the children of St. Joseph County.  Last year’s event was held on Thursday, November 13, at the Gillespie Center, Hilton Garden Inn in South Bend, and raised more than $420,000.  Below are pictures from the evening and special thanks to our sponsors and all who made the event a success!