Birchwood Farms backs Christ Child Society newborn supply drive in Northern Michigan

Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club is helping the Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan assemble about 350 layette totes for new mothers this fall in Harbor Springs. The annual effort distributes newborn essentials to families across Northern Michigan and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Why it matters: - The layette project provides newborn essentials to families in rural Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, where support can be harder to access. - The annual effort depends on local volunteers and Birchwood Farms’ in-kind support to reach roughly 350 families with basic baby supplies.

What happened: - The Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan gathered this fall with Birchwood Farms members and Emmet County volunteers at Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club in Harbor Springs. - The group assembled approximately 350 layette totes for new mothers. - Birchwood Farms provided storage for purchased merchandise, hosted the two-day assembly effort and served lunch to volunteers. - More than 60 Birchwood members take part in the organization’s charitable initiatives.

The details: - The Northwest Michigan Health Department distributes the completed totes to families in Antrim, Emmet, Charlevoix and Otsego counties. - The Newberry Health Department distributes totes in Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. - Birchwood Farms’ Claire Forney was named the Christ Child Society’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year last December. - Birchwood members support several local charitable initiatives beyond the Layette Project. - The Christ Child Society’s Newborn Layette program is its signature initiative. - The organization also supports literacy and education, foster youth, and health and family programs. - The Christ Child Society was founded in 1887 in Washington, D.C., by Mary Virginia Merrick and now operates through 45 chapters across the United States. - To learn more about the Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan chapter, become a member or participate in next year’s Layette Project, visit christchildsocietynorthernmichigan.com.

Between the lines: - Birchwood Farms’ role goes beyond donating time. The club is functioning as a logistical base for a regional service project. - The partnership shows how a private club can anchor recurring community aid while broadening volunteer participation.

What's next: - The Christ Child Society of Northern Michigan plans to continue the Layette Project next year. - Birchwood Farms members are expected to remain involved in local charitable work.

The bottom line: - Birchwood Farms is helping sustain a long-running regional network that puts newborn supplies directly into the hands of families who need them.