Christ Child Society

Running Head: Synopsis of Christ Child Society of South Bend, IN

Synopsis of Christ Child Society of South Bend. IN

By Paula Traver

Southern New Hampshire University

May 10, 2015

Synopsis of Christ Child Society of South Bend, IN

Non-Profit refers to all types of groups that form to achieve a mission rather than

to gain a profit. Singularly, it does not indicate any form of legal structure. If a nonprofit group

incorporates, it is a nonprofit organization; if not, it is an unincorporated nonprofit organization.

A nonprofit organization exists to serve the public interest and has filed incorporation statements

within the state. They are required to govern themselves according to certain rules to ensure

accountability.  Boards of trustees are required which keeps the organization on track fulfilling

its mission statement. The main difference in business structures is how they handle the

difference between personal liability and taxation. Nonprofit corporations receive state and

federal tax exemptions. Many nonprofits choose to incorporate so they have liability protection

for their board members and staff. Only groups created for specific exempt purposes such as

religious, educational, charitable, scientific or literary reasons that benefit the public are eligible

for 501 (C) (3) treatment.

        The South Bend Chapter of the Christ Child Society is a not-for-profit organization of

volunteers whose mission statement is to dedicate themselves to the personal service and

clothing of all needy children and infants in the love and spirit of the Christ Child. The South

Bend Chapter of this organization was founded on August 6, 1947 by Mrs. Jerome J. Crowley.

The main objective of Christ Child Society is to supply winter clothing to children between the

ages 1 to 12.  Their services currently include layettes, winter clothing for children, providing a

book for a child and tutoring/mentoring. Christ Child is run by volunteers with over 500

members. The volunteers must maintain a membership with the national chapter of the

organization although they receive no monetary support from them. Neither government nor

United Way funds this organization. Funds are received by donations and fundraising.

They have an annual budget of over $250,000. Committees are formed to handle fundraising,

budget and public relation problems. Christ Child Society of South Bend was formed in

connection with the Roman Catholic Church but is not operated, supervised or controlled by it.

Christ Child is an unique and separate organization with a with a secular community designation

of being a charitable (501(c) (3)) organization. Clothing is supplied to any child residing in Saint