By Claire Wagner
It’s well known that Bloomington-Normal’s community members are a shining example of generosity and compassion, setting a powerful standard for the entire state. It’s because of your unwavering support that nonprofits like The Baby Fold can continue to grow and reach over 1,200 children throughout Central Illinois each year.
Since its humble beginnings in 1902, The Baby Fold has evolved into a place of refuge and hope for children and families in need. Offering essential services like special education, early childhood programs, and life-changing prevention efforts, your support is the reason hundreds of families have hope for a brighter future.
Reflecting on the past, we are reminded of the immense role of the Bloomington-Normal community in creating stability and well-being for the children and families The Baby Fold serves. In just the last quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, your kindness has made the following possible:
- 145 foster children found safe and loving homes
- 102 parents and their newborn babies received in-home care and guidance
- 186 adoptive families were blessed with free therapy services and resources
- 126 students, unable to remain in public schools, received the education they need at Hammitt Schools
- 811 students at Cedar Ridge and Fairview Elementary Schools were provided with school supplies and enriched learning opportunities
- Families facing economic challenges were kept from homelessness
We recognize that your philanthropy has touched countless lives. Here, children are not only embraced for who they are but empowered to become everything they can be. This transformation would not be possible without the incredible love and generosity of people like you—supporters who have helped create a lasting impact for over 122 years.
As we approach the New Year, The Baby Fold invites you to continue blessing children and families throughout Central Illinois. A tax-deductible year-end gift can provide a warm meal to a family in need, offer speech therapy to a nonverbal child, or ensure a winter coat for a little girl facing the cold. Whether you choose to give online at www.TheBabyFold.org, over the phone at (309) 451-7202, through stocks or securities, an IRA, Donor-Advised Fund, Estate Gift, or by simply writing a check, every donation helps our littlest citizens thrive.
The Baby Fold is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your contributions help strengthen the foundations of families, ensuring a brighter future for our community well into 2025 and beyond. This holiday season, your generosity keeps the spirit of love and compassion alive, just as it did that first Christmas Eve in 1902.