Discover the inspiring stories of our Christ Child Society of the Quac Cities board members. Learn how their dedication and leadership have shaped our mission and strengthened our community. Explore their journeys and see how they continue to make a difference.
Meet Treasurer: Ruth Bloom
For Ruth Bloom, joining the Christ Child Society (CCS) was more than a volunteer opportunity—it represented a calling that intertwined her faith, love for family, and desire to help others. Her journey with CCS began through a rekindled friendship and has evolved into a profound commitment to the organization’s mission of supporting mothers and children in need.
Ruth’s introduction to the Christ Child Society came through an unexpected connection with Mary Anne Dockery-Jackson, a former high school classmate from Chicago Heights, IL, who is the current CCS president.
"Mary Anne invited me to attend a couple of CCS events before COVID," Ruth recalls. "But it wasn’t until 2021, when Our Lady of the River hosted a 'drive-by' baby shower, that I was hooked. Seeing the generosity of the parishioners and holding those tiny infant clothes in my hands really touched my heart."
Ruth didn’t hesitate to step up when the opportunity to serve on the board arose. Since 2022, she has served as Treasurer, managing the society’s financial health by recording transactions, paying bills, preparing monthly reports, tracking in-kind donations, and handling tax filings. She also plays a key role in organizing the annual summer fundraiser at Playcrafters Barn Theater in Moline.
For Ruth, the most rewarding part of serving on the board is knowing that her time and skills are making a difference. "It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a cause that matters," she says. "The most fun part is forming connections with other board members and seeing how our work brings people together."
Ruth’s passion for the Christ Child Society mission has only deepened since becoming a grandmother. "Thinking about how our layettes can help a new mom in need motivates me," she shares, adding winning a handmade quilt at a CCS baby shower as a memorable moment. "At the time, I wasn’t sure when I’d use it. But a year later, my daughter got married, and two years later, my granddaughter arrived!"
Looking ahead, Ruth hopes to grow both the CCS membership and participation. "CCS offers a way for women from different Catholic churches to connect on a common cause," she explains. "As churches merge, CCS can provide a path forward for building community."
She’s especially excited about the upcoming summer fundraiser, Miss Nelson is Missing, noting that this is the first year a dedicated committee of six will help promote the event.
Ruth credits her time with Christ Child Society for strengthening her faith and teaching her valuable lessons about problem-solving and teamwork. "There’s always more than one way to solve a problem," she says. "Talking through challenges with others opens up new possibilities."
Describing CCS as caring, inclusive, and committed, Ruth encourages anyone considering getting involved to take the leap. "It’s easy to get involved. The members are welcoming, and you can choose how much time you want to invest."
Ruth enjoys reading, boating, and walking her dog, Zelda, when she's not volunteering. A fan of word games, she also loves a good round of Wordle, Scrabble, or Words with Friends.
As CCS continues to grow and evolve, Ruth Bloom’s leadership and unwavering dedication remain a driving force behind the society’s mission to serve children and families with love and compassion.
Ruth’s introduction to the Christ Child Society came through an unexpected connection with Mary Anne Dockery-Jackson, a former high school classmate from Chicago Heights, IL, who is the current CCS president.
"Mary Anne invited me to attend a couple of CCS events before COVID," Ruth recalls. "But it wasn’t until 2021, when Our Lady of the River hosted a 'drive-by' baby shower, that I was hooked. Seeing the generosity of the parishioners and holding those tiny infant clothes in my hands really touched my heart."
Ruth didn’t hesitate to step up when the opportunity to serve on the board arose. Since 2022, she has served as Treasurer, managing the society’s financial health by recording transactions, paying bills, preparing monthly reports, tracking in-kind donations, and handling tax filings. She also plays a key role in organizing the annual summer fundraiser at Playcrafters Barn Theater in Moline.
For Ruth, the most rewarding part of serving on the board is knowing that her time and skills are making a difference. "It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a cause that matters," she says. "The most fun part is forming connections with other board members and seeing how our work brings people together."
Ruth’s passion for the Christ Child Society mission has only deepened since becoming a grandmother. "Thinking about how our layettes can help a new mom in need motivates me," she shares, adding winning a handmade quilt at a CCS baby shower as a memorable moment. "At the time, I wasn’t sure when I’d use it. But a year later, my daughter got married, and two years later, my granddaughter arrived!"
Looking ahead, Ruth hopes to grow both the CCS membership and participation. "CCS offers a way for women from different Catholic churches to connect on a common cause," she explains. "As churches merge, CCS can provide a path forward for building community."
She’s especially excited about the upcoming summer fundraiser, Miss Nelson is Missing, noting that this is the first year a dedicated committee of six will help promote the event.
Ruth credits her time with Christ Child Society for strengthening her faith and teaching her valuable lessons about problem-solving and teamwork. "There’s always more than one way to solve a problem," she says. "Talking through challenges with others opens up new possibilities."
Describing CCS as caring, inclusive, and committed, Ruth encourages anyone considering getting involved to take the leap. "It’s easy to get involved. The members are welcoming, and you can choose how much time you want to invest."
Ruth enjoys reading, boating, and walking her dog, Zelda, when she's not volunteering. A fan of word games, she also loves a good round of Wordle, Scrabble, or Words with Friends.
As CCS continues to grow and evolve, Ruth Bloom’s leadership and unwavering dedication remain a driving force behind the society’s mission to serve children and families with love and compassion.