Community Baby Shower collects items for local families

The United Way of Chautauqua County's 2026 Community Baby Shower generated a total of $8,522 in new baby items this spring, with all donations being distributed to local at-risk mothers and their newborns.

Held each year from May to June, the Community Baby Shower mobilizes the community to donate new baby items, food and other supplies -- which United Way then distributes to local families through its network of community partner agencies.

This year’s Community Baby Shower was supported by Northwest Arena, Patterson Library in Westfield, M&T Bank locations in Fredonia and Jamestown, the Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House, Lane Women’s Health Group, and Crown Street Roasting Company. Additionally, the James Prendergast Library Association and the Holmberg Foundation donated new board books, and many individuals made monetary donations during the collection drive as well as through Give Big CHQ.

Donated goods were distributed to families through the following community partner agencies: CHQ Open Arms Foster Closet, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Creche Jamestown, Elm and Oak Health, Jamestown Community Learning Council, The Salvation Army in Dunkirk and Jamestown, Westfield Community Pantry, WIC, and YWCA Jamestown.

The Community Baby Shower reflects United Way’s commitment to Youth Opportunity -- one of four strategic areas of impact identified by the agency. The mission of United Way of Chautauqua County is to help every person and family improve their lives, and helping young people realize their full potential from birth to graduation is a part of that

To learn more about United Way of Chautauqua County and its programs, visit unitedwaychq.org.