Abandoned Baby Tugs Heartstrings

Cindy Broesder, a mother of two little girls, was glad Monday was a day off. A cashier at an Alpha Beta in Anaheim where a newborn baby girl was found Saturday morning, Broesder said the weekend had been difficult.

“It was kind of mentally exhausting. That little baby was all we could think about. It was hard to get any work done,” she said.

Still, Broesder was finding the time Monday to take up a collection for the little girl, called Baby Jane Doe by the staff at Martin Luther Hospital in Anaheim. Broesder and another cashier, Patty Brooks, will use the money to buy the baby clothes, diapers and other essentials.

‘Glad We Found Her’

“I was really moved and upset. I couldn’t believe someone would just leave her there,” Broesder said. “Having children of my own, I’m just glad we found her.”

The baby, believed to be just a few hours old when discovered by an Alpha Beta employee loading produce behind the store at 915 S. Brookhurst St., was found at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Anaheim Police Sgt. John Kolbo, who is heading the investigation, said his detail has developed no leads in the case.

Meanwhile, the baby is “doing very well. She’s doing better than normal,” said Betty Bartley, a spokeswoman for the hospital.

The infant, who weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces, will be transferred to Orangewood, the county’s shelter for abused and neglected children.

Robert Thiemling, the director of Orangewood, said he has received several inquiries about Baby Jane Doe from people interested in her well-being, and some have even offered to adopt her. But he said that is normal in these cases.

However, Thiemling said that usually the mother eventually turns up in these situations.

“We don’t know all the circumstances yet,” he said. “Usually, a young mother is acting out of confusion and will turn up after she’s realized what she’s done. It’s all a very sad situation.”

John Thompson, the manager of the Alpha Beta store where Baby Jane Doe was found, said he had been “impressed” with the response of his employees and the concern they’ve demonstrated for the baby.

“It’s pretty sad for a child to be placed in this situation, but I’m glad my employees have cared and tried to help her,” he said.