Thornton & Grooms Helping Hero For November 2009 - Christ Child Society of Detroit

The Christ Child Society of Detroit has been chosen by Thornton & Grooms, Inc. as the November recipient of the $1,000 Hearts & Heroes Award. This charitable, non-profit, Catholic-affiliated organization of volunteers, embracing members of all denominations, is dedicated to serving the Metropolitan Detroit and surrounding areas of Michigan by promoting the well-being of disadvantaged children and their families.

Over 100 years ago, Mary Virginia Merrick devoted her life to serving needy children, leading the way towards formally organizing the Christ Child Society in 1887. In 1916, it was federated into a national organization.  Today, there are 40 chapters and over 7,100 members in 18 states and the District of Columbia.

The Christ Child Society of Detroit (CCSD) was founded in 1912 by a small group of women led by Mary Catherine Brady. The founders' earliest mission was to assemble and distribute layettes — small bundles of baby clothes and supplies to needy mothers. Times change and CCSD's services have evolved, but their mission to improving the well being of disadvantaged and at-risk children has remained the same.

One of the most important services CCSD performs is the operation of Christ Child House (CCH). This state-licensed, residential treatment facility has been a haven for seriously abused and neglected boys since 1948. There are currently 31 boys ages 5 to 15 years living there. The facility provides individualized, professional medical, social, educational and recreational opportunities for its residents, many of whom are wards of the state. In special cases, CCH administers a hands-on adoption program designed to find each child a loving adoptive home.

"We are proud to support an organization that cares for children who would otherwise have no one looking out for them," said Mike Bergstrom of TGI. "Especially during this tough holiday season, we hope this award will inspire others to volunteer or make a donation to Christ Child Society of Detroit and other groups that make differences in the lives of Michigan’s children."

To learn more about Christ Child Society of Detroit and to find out how you can help, please visit the Christ Child Society of Detroit website.

If you have a charity you’d like to nominate for our monthly $1,000 Hearts & Heroes Award, please complete the nomination form today.

Photo: Mike and Matt Bergstrom from Thornton & Grooms present Jill Barker, President of the local chapter of Christ Child Society of Detroit with the $1,000 monthly Hearts & Heroes Award check.