(Photo by Shelley Hanson) Safe Haven Baby Box Ohio Valley co-project manager Cassandra Elliott and project manager Ciarra Beaver hold the check donated to the effort by WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital on Tuesday.

WHEELING – WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital on Tuesday donated $16,000 toward two new Safe Haven Baby Boxes that will be installed at the new Wheeling Fire Department headquarters and the department’s Wheeling Island Fire Station No. 5.

A check presentation took place with the drivers behind the effort – local residents Ciarra Beaver and Cassandra Elliott – accepting the donation from Douglass Harrison, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial hospitals. Also present were Wheeling Fire Department Chief Jim Blazier, Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron and Wheeling Assistant City Manager Bill Lanham.

The baby boxes allow mothers in crisis to hand over their babies safely. Once the baby is placed in the box the exterior door locks and a silent alarm sounds to alert 911 and first responders. The boxes are climate controlled.

The first Safe Haven Baby Box in the state of West Virginia was dedicated Nov. 7 in Moundsville at the Marshall County EMS Base Station. Wheeling’s two boxes are anticipated to be ready by spring.

Blazier said he was happy to know the boxes would soon be coming to the stations.

“Safe Haven Baby Box is an alternative for someone who feels like they’re in trouble and wants to surrender their baby anonymously,” Blazier said.

He noted Beaver contacted the fire department about having boxes installed and the department decided to include a space for one in the design of the new headquarters being built in East Wheeling.

“I do remember at least twice there were babies that were abandoned inappropriately that didn’t end well,” Blazier said. “So I won’t say this is something that will be used often, but if it’s used once and saves one baby’s life, then it’s a win-win.”

Beaver, who owns a hair salon in downtown Wheeling, said she learned about Safe Haven Baby Box via social media and reached out to the company to learn more.

“I see a lot of things downtown. I saw a mom and she was pregnant and she looked like she was displaced, and so I knew this would be a good thing for our city,” Beaver said. “Even if it doesn’t get used, it’s there. We hope it doesn’t get used, but in reality it’s going to get used.”

To help raise half of the money needed, Beaver said she and Elliott organized a dine-to-donate event, put out donation boxes, sent letters to businesses seeking donations and sought private donors as well.

“Each box is $16,000 and we’re raising extra for the maintenance fees,” she said, adding some money will also be used to spread awareness of the boxes once they are installed.

Those who would like to donate to the project can visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/safehavenbabyboxforwheelingwestvirginia/ or call Beaver at 304-659-9871.

Harrison said with the donation the hospital wanted to help create a safe space for mothers to surrender their babies at the fire department.

“A lot of times when we find a mother having to make this very difficult decision, for her to actually face someone and hand over the baby is very emotional and trying,” Harrison said.

“A lot of times it’s an impediment for her to do and then sometimes the baby suffers. This creates a safe space, a safe environment, no questions asked.

“Then we will get the baby and make sure it’s treated and cared for, and hopefully put the baby up for adoption with the state.”

Herron said the city is pleased to be able to house the future baby boxes at the fire headquarters and on Wheeling Island.

“Hopefully these baby boxes will never need to be used, but if they are, they’re certainly going to be a great benefit to the community,” Herron said. “It has the potential to save lives. So we’re very pleased with the effort that occurred to raise money for this and for WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital’s gracious donation.”