Did you know that 8 out of 10 babies who die in their sleep do so because they are in an unsafe space? Moreover, black babies are four times more likely to die in their sleep. Sleeping with blankets or in a parent’s bed can be extremely dangerous for babies – and sadly, many families in St. Louis can’t afford a crib for their baby.
Infant Loss Resources (formerly SIDS Resources) coordinates a portable crib network and in-person safe sleep education to more than 400 families throughout the St. Louis region each year. But the portable crib network is in crisis. It lost one of its main funding streams, and only has enough portable cribs to make it to late December. They are exploring new funding streams, but will not have funding in place in time to fulfill many families’ needs this winter. This means dozens of babies won’t have a safe place to sleep – and their lives may be at risk.
Please consider making a small donation to help a new baby sleep safe and sound. Every dollar helps, and $100 covers the full cost of a portable crib, crib sheet, shipping and caregiver education. A generous donor has offered to match every dollar we raise for the portable crib network, up to $5,000, between now and January 1.
It’s easy to donate online. In the note section, indicate that your donation is for “portable cribs.”
You can also share this request on your social media channels.
Twitter: Too many babies die due to unsafe sleep conditions. Help us raise $5,000 to provide portable cribs for families – every $ helps http://infantlossresources.org/?page_id=616/
Facebook: Too many babies die because of unsafe sleep conditions. St. Louis’ portable crib network provides cribs and safe sleep education to families, but the network’s funding has been cut – there are only enough cribs to get through December. We need to raise $5,000 to continue to provide cribs. Please consider making a donation – every dollar helps! http://infantlossresources.org/?page_id=616/
If you have questions about the portable crib program or ideas about sustainable funding, please contact Lori Behrens at lori@infantlossresources.org or (314) 241-7437.
