Society's members have yarn to spin

The motto of the Albany chapter of the Christ Child Society might be: "Have yarn, will travel."

"I have the car filled with stuff all of the time," said Sophie T. Barber, a member of the local chapter for 18 years. "We buy by the 100 skein or 200 skein and provide most of the yarn for the projects."

The yarn is used to knit afghans, receiving blankets, sweaters and hats for needy infants and children in Albany, Schenectady and Troy.

The local chapter of the Christ Child Society is celebrating its 25th anniversary of serving people in the Diocese. Like chapters throughout the nation, the Albany group provides layettes for needy infants. The layettes include an afghan, diapers, receiving blankets, sweater sets, sleepers, a book and other needed items.

The layettes are distributed through several institutions, including St. Peter's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, Community Maternity Services and the Marillac Shelter.

"We have a constant supply," said Clare Stein, foundress of the Albany chapter. "There's never been a wait. We give out about 300 a year."

While all of the parts of the layette are needed, the handmade items are often the most treasured. "For some, it's probably the nicest thing they'll receive," said Carol Balet, a member for 22 years.

The handmade items are created by members as well as non-members who enjoy knitting and helping disadvantaged children. Volunteer knitters are given the supplies free of charge. Other items in the layettes are donated by parishes that host "baby showers" for the organization. The book in the layette is a recent addition that the local chapter decided was important.

"The book is new because children read to at an early age do better in school," said Mrs. Stein.

The Christ Child Society was founded in 1887 by Mary Virginia Merrick, a well-to-do young woman who became an invalid after an accident. She dedicated her life to helping needy infants and children, and started the Christ Child Society with a layette program similar to the one that exists today.

Mrs. Stein started the Albany chapter 25 years ago after moving to Guilderland from Akron, Ohio, where she had been a member.

"Having been in the Akron chapter and having attended conventions, I saw how it filled a need," she said. "When I moved here, I saw there were needs here, too."

While each chapter has the layette program, they all take on additional projects as well. For example, the Albany chapter is also involved in a religious education program for developmentally disabled persons, and providing comfort bags to women in shelters, and Christmas parties for disadvantaged youth.

Paid back

While the organization has done a lot for people, members say they have received more than they have given.

"I've spent a lot of time working with developmentally disabled persons, and I get more out of it than I put in," said Mrs. Stein.

Kathy Cain, a member for six years, noted: "I know there are still people in the world willing to do something for someone they don't even know."

(For information on the Christ Child Society, call 869-1021.)

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