NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Safety on the road is always important, especially for those with little ones who require a car seat. To help with this, 300 car seats are being donated to mothers in need through Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s Safe Start Program.

The donations were all made possible through a $15,000 grant from Hall Toyota to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital to purchase the car seats.

“I think to be able to give back to the community and ensure that we’re doing everything we can to make sure every child without a car seat has one is a great thing,” said Heath Wynn with Hall Automotive Group, “We’re glad to be a part of it and we’re glad to partner with Sentara and we look forward to doing it again.” 

The $15,000 check was handed to nurses and representatives from Sentara Norfolk’s Maternity Center who say this furthers their mission of providing care for all patients.

“We’re trying to hit those people that fall in the gap of care where they’re working, barely making day-to-day and don’t have the resources for a car seat,” said Teresita Hammond, Sentara community outreach coordinator. “How can we help them? They don’t have friends, they don’t have connections in the community. This is to serve that population of people.” 

Hammond and director of women’s health Sue Mitchell say this is only the beginning when it comes to Sentara Norfolk supporting families in the Hampton Roads area.

“It is all about providing our patients with the care that they need, not only in the hospital but [also] after they leave,” Hammond said. “We do a full circle to support them and know that we are here, and we care.” 

“Our programs are growing,” Mitchell said. “There’s such an opportunity where we can partner with other community organizations within our immediate area.” 

To find out more about the Safe Start program or other community initiatives offered by Sentara Norfolk click here. To learn more about initiatives offered by Hall Toyota and MileOne, click here.