Local families help Syrian mothers fleeing the country

Families on the Central Coast are finding ways to help refugees trying to flee the war-torn country of Syria.

Salinas mom Rosa Escobosa said she’s paying close attention to reports showing thousands of families fleeing Syria, fearing for their lives as they attempt to migrate to Europe. But it was pictures of a toddler’s body that washed ashore that sparked her to act.

“It’s what got my attention,” Escobosa said. “I had heard about it before but those pictures are really graphic and really emotional you know, that these are just families just trying to find a safer place to go.”

That’s when she decided to take action, through an international charity drive to collect slings and baby carriers. Something as small as a Baby Bjorn could make a huge difference in the lives of the refugees fleeing Syria.

“They’re taking donations to help the Syrian refugees,” Escobosa said. “It just seems like people traveling overseas and across the land, it’s easier if they’re carrying their babies. Safer as well.”

Since posting her plea on social media on Sunday, Escobosa has already collected a half dozen slings and carriers. She says there are other local moms in Santa Cruz County doing the same.

“I saw it was something as simple as a carrier,” Escobosa explains. “Something I have in my closet. Something moms don’t use anymore it can really help them out.”

Because helping other moms, comes natural to the mother of a 10-month-old baby boy.

Escobosa will be accepting donations at El Estero Park in Monterey on Saturday from 10am to noon. For people in Santa Cruz County that want to help, check out Santa Cruz Babywearing on Facebook.