About the project
Magnolia Fire Chief Terry Colburn said the project was made possible through community partnerships, including support from St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Community, the Respect Life Ministry & Knights of Columbus, the Luttrell families, Billy Masden, Chris Jones and the Cotton Foundation, which helped fund and coordinate the installation at no cost to taxpayers.
“This project has been a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together, from local advocates and partners, the Cotton Foundation, to our city leaders, faith leaders—each one of you has played a role in making this vision a reality for that,” Colburn said.
Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, attended the dedication and shared her personal story of being abandoned as an infant. Kelsey said that Texas has led the nation in infant abandonment cases over the last five years, and the baby box is the 375th in the U.S. and the 12th in Texas.
“This box is now available for women in this community and beyond. This box offers no shame, no blame and no names," Kelsey said
Texas’ Safe Haven law allows parents to safely and legally relinquish infants younger than 60 days at approved locations. Magnolia’s new baby box, built into an exterior wall of the fire station, is designed to lock as soon as a newborn is placed inside. Interior sensors then notify on-duty staff so the child can receive care right away, according to Safe Haven Baby Boxes’ website.
Also of note
Other Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the area include locations in Tomball and The Woodlands, as previously reported.
