Donation From State Farm Funds Free Car Seats For Families At Franciscan Health Safety Clinics

LAFAYETTE, Indiana - More than 100 free car seats have been installed for families in need at Franciscan Health Car Seat Safety Clinics in Western Indiana this year, thanks to a $20,000 grant from State Farm.

A formal presentation was made by State Farm Public Affairs Specialist Jim Slaven at the car seat clinic held on Saturday, September 24 at Lafayette Fire Station 5 in Lafayette. State Farm's $20,000 donation went to the purchase of 281 car seats for distribution in the community.

"We are very excited to offer car seat clinics again to the communities we serve. So far, we have checked more than 160 seats and have provided 100-plus seats to those in need. We are grateful to State Farm for providing grant funding for the new car seats, the fire stations who have hosted us and all of the car seat technicians and volunteers who have donated their time," said Tristan Kirby, Franciscan Health director of Community Education in Western Indiana.

The State Farm donation provided 37 car and booster seats at Franciscan Health's Crawfordsville clinic on August 13 and 30 more seats at the Rensselaer clinic on August 27. At the Lafayette clinic, 47 car and booster seats were provided to families in need.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends all drivers who transport young children in passenger vehicles have their car seats checked by a certified technician.

Those seeking a free car seat must meet eligibility requirements, and reservations are required. To schedule an appointment and determine eligibility, call 765-449-5133 or register online at franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/carseat.