Russellville City Fire Department to host blessing of baby box

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – Russellville is set to have a baby box blessed on Aug. 26.

The Safe Haven Baby Box will be located at the Russellville City Fire Department at 620 N. Main St., offering a secure option for parents in crisis to surrender their infant.

The Safe Haven Baby Box is possible thanks to local advocates, including the Russellville City Fire Department, mayor Mark Stratton, city council members Pat Bell, Jimmy Davenport, Rich Ewald, Sandra Kinser, Diane Walker and Larry Wilcutt.

Monica Kelsey, Safe Haven Baby Box founder, shared, “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives. We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”

Safe Haven says infants surrendered are adopted by families who have registered as foster-to-adopt, coordinated by the local Department of Family Services.

In addition to the boxes, Safe Haven provides a confidential national hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.

Those who would like to attend the baby box blessing are invited to gather at the baby box location at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26.