KINGSTON, Tenn. — Kingston Fire Station 1 is now home to the third Safe Haven Baby Box in Tennessee, and the second in East Tennessee. Leaders who fundraised for the baby box said it's about giving parents another option and saving lives.
This box marks 199 in the U.S. and Tennessee Senator Ken Yager (R- Kingston) said there should be more.
"I think there should be one in every community in Tennessee," Yager said. "I think that all communities should come together, like they did in Roane County and Kingston."
Safe Haven Baby Box said the technology and construction costs vary, but end up being around $15,000 to $20,000 each to build. Monica Kelsey, the organization's CEO, also said having this option saves lives.
"Every three days, there's a baby being pulled from a trashcan or a dumpster. So you see that problem, there's a solution," Kelsey said.
On Friday, leaders came together to bless the box and celebrate.
"I hope no one ever has to use the box," said Kingston Fire Chief Willie Gordon. "But if they do, God bless them."