Ascension's Blanket of Love program holds 5th Community Christmas Dinner

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Tuesday night, Ascension Wisconsin is working to spread the love. Their Blanket of Love Community Christmas Dinner is marking its fifth year. 

The program supports expectant mothers and their families with a few goals in mind -- reducing infant mortality and promoting family wellness. 

They've been around since 2004. At the time, Milwaukee had the highest rate of infant mortality in the country, and that's what inspired the program's founder to organize.

"When I found out that a baby born in Milwaukee has a less chance of reaching their first birthday than a baby born in a third world country, I found that disturbing and I wanted to help," said Julia Means, founder of Blanket of Love.

The program also supports birthday celebrations for babies who turn one year old, baby showers, and connects moms to critical resources like food, formula, and diapers.