27 Jul 2026 NLR places Safe Haven Baby Box

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — A Blessing of the Safe Haven Baby Box was hosted July 22 at the city’s new Central Fire Station.

The baby box is the 37th in Arkansas, but the first in the City of North Little Rock. Now that it is officially open, the city has a safe place for vulnerable infants to receive the care they need during moments of crisis, while allowing mothers to surrender them anonymously.

One of the most moving moments of the ceremony came from the Van Schoyck family, who shared how a Safe Haven Baby Box changed their lives. After facing fertility struggles and the heartbreaking loss of a child, they were able to adopt their daughter after she was safely surrendered through a Safe Haven Baby Box. “Stories like theirs remind us why these boxes matter; they provide a safe, legal option during a crisis while creating the opportunity for children to be welcomed into loving homes,” said Shara Hutchcraft, director of communications for the mayor.

“Thank you to Alessi Keyes Construction for funding the Safe Haven Baby Box and to Bishop Silas Johnson of Full Counsel Church for the blessing,” Hutchcraft said. “Together we are helping ensure that hope, compassion and a safe choice are available when they are needed most.”