A newborn baby is recovering at St. Christoper’s Hospital in Hunting Park after police say she was found alive inside a box Wednesday morning.
The discovery was made outside the Rainbow Daycare on 27th and Huntingdon Streets in North Philadelphia.
A neighborhood handyman told police he was gathering trash when he heard a baby crying.
The baby girl, named Noel by the hospital, was wrapped in a blanket and robe inside the box, police said. They believe she was in the box for several hours.
She was taken to St. Christopher's where doctors say she is doing well.
According to officers, Noel weighs five-pounds, five-ounces and her umbilical cord is still attached. Investigators say she's most likely hispanic or a light-skinned black female and it's clear she was not born at a hospital.
Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit is investigating. Anyone with information on who the child's mother is is urged to call police.
Since her admission, the hospital has had a number of calls from people looking to adopt Noel. Unfortunately, the newborn is in limbo right now. She is not yet in the care of the Department of Human Services and authorities are searching for Noel's mother.On Friday the DHS released the following statement.
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from people in Philadelphia and all across the country who want to either adopt Baby girl Noel or to make donations to her. Noel will remain in the hospital for several more days and upon her discharge will be placed in a licensed foster home. While baby girl Noel has definitely captured the hearts of many during this Holiday season, we want to make it known that there are many other children who are in need of loving homes. For DHS, this case highlights the great need for Foster and Adoptive parents.
If you would like to become a foster parent or are interested in adopting a child please contact the Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) at 1-800-585-SWAN or go to their website at www.adoptpakids.org. You can also view pictures of some DHS children who are waiting to be adopted at www.heartgalleryphiladelphia.org.
Because of the overwhelming number of requests we have received, DHS will also accept donations, however we can not ensure that they will all go to Noel. We have many children who come into care who are also in great need of clothing and toys etc.
