"We are a group of women who are willing to help others, especially needy women and children. And we have a lot of fun doing it," says Virginia Jones, president of the Christ Child Society of Pasadena which is marking its diamond jubilee this year.

With more than 500 members, this local chapter recently began its 75th year with a special Eucharistic celebration at a private member home with Father Joseph Moniz of St. Philip the Apostle Church presiding.

Throughout the year, members will find unique ways to honor the history of the society which was founded nationally in 1887 in Washington, D.C., by Mary Virginia Merrick. After a debilitating accident as a teenager left her partially paralyzed and in constant pain for the rest of her life, Merrick spent the next 75 years of her life propped up in a bed or in a reclining chair.

Merrick had always wanted to become a Sister of Charity in order to, in her words, "take care of all the little children who had no one to take care of them," but her severe disability took away that option.

So, instead of entering a convent, Merrick decided to "take care of the little ones" in her own way. In 1884, learning about a mother who had no clothing for her expected child, Merrick gathered her friends together to sew a layette --- and the rest was history.

Today, making layettes is a mainstay program of every Christ Child chapter. The Pasadena Chapter works with local agencies, parishes and parish schools to find those families in need and present them with handmade items in addition to other necessities including cribs, strollers and toiletries.

Additionally, Jones says her chapter provides families with medical assistance, counseling and eyeglasses, helps create playgrounds, and offers emergency funds at Christmas time.

One of the more rewarding programs, says Jones, is the Pair and Learning Sessions (PALS), a reading program in which members regularly read to young elementary school students. Currently, members are reading at St. Andrew, St. Elizabeth and Nativity schools.

"The children love to see the volunteers coming," says Jones. "One remarked, 'It's like my grandma coming!'"

The chapter also sponsors social meetings --- such as bridge groups and book clubs --- but members can only attend by paying dues. "All our activities involve fundraising of one kind or another," says Jones.

"While we enjoy each other's company, we are still holding true to the message of our founder Mary Virginia Merrick which is to take care of the little ones."

For more information about the Christ Child Society of Pasadena, contact Virginia Jones, (626) 795-1614.)