Let Love Shine 2026

Here at the Christ Child Society of South Bend, we are “challenging poverty, one child at a time” as Mary Virginia Merrick, founder of The Christ Child Society, did beginning in 1887. The need is great. Last year, we provided clothing and layettes to nearly 5,500 children, including over 145 foster children. 

We are asking for your help to carry on our mission of providing new clothing, shoes, coats, gloves and hats to under-resourced infants and children in St. Joseph County. Our work is solely supported by our community with no government funding. We rely on over 26,000 hours of service by our volunteers as well as the financial support from our donors to continue our operations.

Let Love Shine, our largest fundraising effort, will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026.  Below is information detailing sponsorship opportunities for your review. Your sponsorship is more crucial to us now than ever. In order to serve this many children every year, we need $140,000 for coats, hats and gloves, $200,000 for shoes, $246,000 for new clothing, $50,000 for infant layettes, and $37,500 for children in emergency situations entering foster care. This is your opportunity to contribute toward these critical goals.