The South Bend chapter received a unique and blessed donation this fall, all because of the charitable work of an 11 year old girl whose mother once had needed the chapter’s help. Alexandra Holderman, a sixth grader who in the last five years has provided more than 1,200 “baby bundles” to needy single and teenaged mothers throughout the South Bend area, during the same period spent and/or raised more than $30,000 to fund her personal charity project. After soliciting donations for and assembling her bundles—indistinguishable from our “layettes”—Alexandra each October delivered them to the South Bend Women’s Care Center for distribution to those women and babies who needed them.

Alexandra’s middle school principal recognized her amazing volunteer efforts by nominating her for the 2004 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and Alexandra was awarded first place both in Indiana and nationally. Beyond cash prizes and being personally congratulated by President Bush, as winner Alexandra was generously afforded the opportunity to select a charity to receive a gift from “Kids in Distressing Situations” in New York.

When it came time to elect the charity she wished to favor with the gift, Alexandra remembered Christ Child—with a truckload of new shirts, winter coats and other merchandise. Many of the South Bend chapter’s members joined in September with Alexandra and her mother to unpack the generous gift of clothing and outerwear for children of all ages--just in time for the cold weather. Those who met Alexandra were impressed by her tirelessness, commitment and maturity.

Truly Alexandra is an inspiration in the tradition of Mary Virginia Merrick, keeping the needs of children at the forefront, and starting so young. The South Bend chapter, as our many dedicated chapters, is also to be credited, because without its members’ generosity and commitment, Alexandra’s mother might not have received help and Alexandra might not have been inspired in this particular way. Thanks to Alexandra, we are reminded of the beauty and power of a child’s love and compassion, and of why we are dedicated to and led by the Christ Child.