The gesture of throwing a baby shower for friends or loved ones is a common and cherished tradition for most Americans – providing new parents with all the necessities to care for their infant. In the Holy Land, the gesture is difficult to come by for expectant mothers who live in a region that many would consider primitive and impoverished.

Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem and its U.S. based Foundation, which supports the work of the hospital, is requesting that individuals, churches, community groups, and schools contribute to this “virtual baby shower” for mothers and babies of Bethlehem-- ensuring that all babies in the region can be swaddled, fed and cared for. We graciously ask that you pick an item off of this registry and donate the amount connected to the item.

Items on Nativity Registry:

$40.00 - Newborn Bottles

$60.00 - Newborn Care Set (Soap, Lotion, Shampoo, Swabs, etc.)

$80.00 - Newborn Diapers

$150.00 - Purchase Medical Supplies for Mobile Clinic

$250.00 - Give the Gift of Life! (sponsor the delivery of a baby)

$500.00 - Pre-Natal Care Set (vitamins and pre-natal consultations)

$1,000.00 - Save a Life (sponsor a baby in the neo-natal intensive care unit)

$2,000.00 - Provide medical care to the poorest of children and mothers living in remote areas of the desert

The hospital provides the only available long-term hospitalization for mothers with high risk pregnancies and has the only neo-natal intensive care unit in the region that saves the lives of infants born with health complications. The mobile outreach van dispenses medical care weekly to families living in the desert without running water and electricity.

The Bethlehem region has an unemployment rate of nearly 70% and no social welfare system. It is through the generosity of donors, such as yourself, that Holy Family Hospital can continue to serve the poorest and most defenseless in the Holy Land. Patient payments only cover 33% of the cost of operation and it serves over 22,000 women and children each year, regardless of ethnicity, creed, or ability to pay.

Through your registry gift, you can help the poor mothers and babies who live in Bethlehem, just steps from where the Blessed Mother gave birth to Baby Jesus. Your donation will bring hope and care to families who face dangers similar to those faced by the Holy Family 2,000 years ago, and ensure that there is always room at this modern-day manger.

Visit our site at: www.BirthplaceofHope.org.