‘Together, We Can Save Lives’

Jan. 22, 2026

Wisconsin Knights celebrate the state’s first newborn to be surrendered to a Safe Haven Baby Box, which was built with K of C support

By Karen Mahoney

Jan. 22, 2026

Wisconsin Knights of Columbus stand beside a Safe Haven Baby Box — Knights of Columbus and others stand beside a new Safe Haven Baby Box, which was installed at Racine Fire Department Station 4 in December 2024. At left stands Grand Knight Philip Diehn of St. Lucy of Racine Council 15659; Dan Miller, Wisconsin Knights of Columbus life director; and Father Juan Camacho. To the right of other local Knights stands Assistant Chief Brian Wolf of the Racine Fire Department.

On Oct. 16, 2025, a newborn baby was safely surrendered at the fire department in Racine, Wisconsin — the first time a Safe Haven Baby Box was used in the state.

Located outside of the Racine Fire Department Station 4, the baby box serves as a secure place where a mother can safely and anonymously place her newborn. Wisconsin’s Safe Haven Law, expanded in 2023, allows a parent to legally surrender an unharmed infant into a monitored, temperature-controlled safety device anonymously and without fear of judgment or prosecution.

The Racine baby box was installed in December 2024, thanks in large part to funds provided by St. Lucy of Racine Council 15659, which donated $13,500 to the project. The council raised most of the money through its annual “Change for Life” baby bottle campaign during Lent of 2024 at St. Sebastian and St. Lucy Parishes in Racine. Several private donors also helped meet the funding goal. Additional resources were provided by the Racine Fire Department, Pro-Life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Right to Life.

“It is such a blessing to see that this brave mother used the Safe Haven Baby Box so quickly after its installation,” said Dan Miller, Wisconsin state life director and director of Pro-Life Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and protecting the right to life of all citizens in the state. “It should be a clarion call to other communities like Racine to begin taking the steps to get your own baby box installed where you live. You can help save a life right in your hometown.”

Since 2001, Wisconsin law has permitted parents to relinquish a baby up to 72 hours old in person to law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians or hospital staff. Under this law, parents were not obligated to provide information but were required to be present. The 2023 revision allows for anonymous placement in continuously monitored baby boxes installed at fire stations, hospitals and police departments.

Father Juan Manuel Camacho blesses a Safe Haven Baby Box in Racine, Wisconsin. — Father Juan Manuel Camacho, pastor of the Catholic Community of Eight in Racine, Wis., leads a prayer during the installation and blessing of a Safe Haven Baby Box at Racine’s Fire Station 4 on Dec. 10, 2024.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes is an Indiana-based organization that has been helping communities install these devices since 2016. Since the first baby box was installed, local Knights of Columbus have helped fund and advocate for many of the nearly 200 boxes now in operation across the United States. According to the organization, these boxes have facilitated 70 safe surrenders and more than 170 additional handoffs.

Each baby box provides a secure, climate-controlled environment and is equipped with a 24/7 monitored system and a silent alarm that alerts first responders the moment a baby is placed inside. After the mother places her baby in the box, she has 60 seconds to say goodbye or offer a prayer. After that short delay, a switch notifies security, which in turn contacts the fire department.

The Safe Haven Baby Box at Racine Fire Station 4 was the third installed in Wisconsin. Currently, there are seven baby boxes in the state and just under 400 nationwide.

The Racine Fire Department reported that the infant girl surrendered in October was in good health and was immediately cared for by on-duty firefighters and emergency medical personnel. She was then taken to a hospital for evaluation and is now in the custody of child protective services. The process of finding a permanent adoptive home is underway.

“This mother’s decision was not abandonment — it was an act of love,” said Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes. “She chose life. She chose safety. She chose hope.”

Through statewide initiatives, including Life Savers for Life and Baby Bottles for Life, Wisconsin Knights raise significant funds for the pro-life cause, explained Wisconsin State Advocate David Kreutz. A portion of those funds provides grants for state programs such as the Safe Haven Baby Box.

“The surrendered baby [in Racine] is fantastic news,” said Kreutz, offering his congratulations to those who made the baby box possible, including Council 15659. “When we all come together, we can save lives. … As a state officer, it’s an honor to witness how the financial resources allocated by the State Council to Pro-Life Wisconsin grant recipients make a real difference in saving lives.”

Wisconsin State Secretary Ross Larson offers remarks. — Wisconsin State Secretary Ross Larson offers remarks during the installation and blessing of a new Safe Haven Baby Box at Racine Fire Department Station 4 in Racine, Wis., on Dec. 10. 2024.

For Grand Knight Philip Diehn of Council 15659, the council’s efforts to raise funds for the baby box were well worth it.

“It is a blessing that the baby girl was rescued through the use of the baby box,” he said. “It must have been a difficult decision for the mother, but also a brave act for the best of the child. I am thankful that Council 15659 was able to participate with the City of Racine Fire Department … and the Safe Haven Baby Box organization to install the baby box.”

Members of Council 15659 are relieved that the newborn girl is safe and on her way to adoption.

“The prayers of our council are for the good health and safety of the baby girl and those who have provided care for her,” said Diehn. “We pray for a loving family to welcome her into their family. We also pray for the mother who bravely surrendered her baby.”

Safe Haven Baby Boxes offers an anonymous number for any parent in crisis to call or text: 1-866-99-BABY-1. More information is available at www.shbb.org.

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KAREN MAHONEY is a freelance writer based in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

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‘Together, We Can Save Lives’

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