NEWTON, Iowa -- A nonprofit in Newton is halfway to its fundraising goal for a safe haven baby box to be installed at the community's hospital.

The plan was first presented in 2024 when Jasper County Attorney General Scott Nicholson brought the idea to the Open Arms Foundation of Jasper County, a nonprofit that provides support for children facing crisis or are in the foster care system.

Open Arms was founded last year and provides backpacks with necessary supplies and comfort items to children who were removed from their biological families. So far, the nonprofit has helped 200 children and families, according to founder and director Nick Pietrack.

At the beginning of 2025, Open Arms started fundraising for a baby box in Newton. Their goal is $30,000.

Pietrack says the box is estimate

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