The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County recently kicked off its 2024 Community Baby Shower with a visit to M&T Bank’s southside Jamestown location. The Foote Avenue branch is again participating as a collection site for the Community Baby Shower, meaning anyone interested can drop off new items at the location — all of which will go to newborns here in the community. From left are Eric Rinaldo, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County community impact manager, and M&T Bank staff Chris Peterson, Wendy Wilcox, Ashley Oudinot, Michaela Gustafson and Cora Burch.

The annual collection of baby items for local newborns is now underway by United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

Each spring, United Way hosts its Community Baby Shower to raise money and collect donations for local at-risk moms and their infants.

Eric Rinaldo, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County community impact manager, visited the M&T Bank south side Jamestown location on Foote Avenue which serves as a drop-off site each year.

“Through the generosity of the community, United Way is able to provide its partner agencies with a plethora of essential items — enabling local mothers in need to give their babies a healthy start,” Rinaldo said. “Last year we collected more than $6,000 worth of goods and supplies which were distributed by a dozen local agencies working directly with families and children. These donations are an easy and direct way for the community to help babies in Chautauqua County at a pivotal point in their lives.”

This year, the Community Baby Shower will run through June 13. Items can be dropped off at the United Way office at 208 Pine St., at the Northwest Arena or at the southside Jamestown branch of M&T Bank.

“We are so thrilled to again be a donation site for United Way’s annual Community Baby Shower event,” said Cora Burch, relationship banker at Jamestown’s south side M&T Branch. “Here at M&T Bank, we believe in giving back to the community and are always willing to partner and volunteer with United Way whenever we can. By serving as a collection site for essential baby items, we’re not just collecting donations; we’re fostering a sense of unity and compassion within our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

The 2024 Community Baby Shower is sponsored by UPMC Chautauqua, Southern Tier Family Dentistry, Lane Women’s Health Group and the James Prendergast Library.

Each year, local businesses, community groups, church groups and other agencies contribute to the drive by hosting in-office baby showers for their staffs and members. Hosting an in-office baby shower can be a team-building activity. For more information or ideas on how to throw an in-office baby shower, contact Nick Dean, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County communications and campaign coordinator, by emailing ndean@uwayscc.org or calling 716-483-1561.

Other ways to support the Community Baby Shower include:

Text “BabyUnited: to 41444 to make a credit card donation.

Buying items from United Way’s 2024 Community Baby Shower Amazon Wish List. The list includes top needs from community agencies, and purchased items can be directly shipped to United Way’s office.

Donate to United Way during Give Big CHQ on June 8. Give Big CHQ is a 24-hour online day of giving for nonprofits in Chautauqua County. 100% of the donations received from Give Big CHQ will go to buy necessities for babies in Chautauqua County. See UWAY SCC’s giving page for the day here: www.givebigchq.org/organizations/united-way-of-southern-chautauqua-county

Check United Way’s social media throughout the Community Baby Shower for updated drop-off sites as more are added during the campaign. Show your support by taking a picture and tagging us online when you make a donation.

To sign up as a sponsor or to have a business be added as a drop-off site for goods, contact Dean.