Staff from YWCA Jamestown are pictured here in this photo from the 2024 Community Baby Shower with items collected by United Way to be dispersed to local mothers in need.

The United Way of Chautauqua County has kicked off its annual Community Baby Shower and for the first time ever, the collection drive is being held countywide.

Each spring, United Way collects new baby items for local at-risk mothers and their newborns. The items are then distributed to those in need by UWCHQ’s community partner agencies.

“This is one of the most tangible and impactful ways people can support young families in our community,” said Eric Rinaldo, UWCHQ community impact manager. “Every single donation helps make sure a baby has what they need in those earliest, critical months of life.”

Last year, as United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, a total of $4,442 worth of goods was able to be provided to local families. The 2025 collection drive is expected to greatly surpass that number this year, as drop-off sites will be located throughout the county for the first time.

The 2025 Community Baby Shower continues through June 12. Donations of new baby items such as diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, strollers and cribs can be dropped off at the following locations:

– United Way’s Jamestown office at 208 Pine Street.

– United Way’s Dunkirk office at 626 Central Ave.

– M&T Bank in Jamestown at 737 Foote Ave.

– M&T Bank in Fredonia at 1 E. Main Street.

– Northwest Arena at 319 West Third Street in the city of Jamestown.

– Patterson Library at 40 S. Portage Street in the village of Westfield.

Each year, many local businesses, community groups, church groups and other agencies contribute to the drive by hosting in-office baby shower parties for their staff members. For more information about hosting an in-office baby shower, such as party ideas and games – or to request a United Way staff member to speak with a group, email Nick Dean, United Way of Chautauqua County communications and campaign coordinator, at ndean@uwayscc.org or call 716-483-1561.

Other ways to support the Community Baby Shower include:

– Texting “BabyUnited” to 41444 to make a credit card donation.

– Buying items from United Way’s 2025 Community Baby Shower Amazon Wish List. This list includes the top-needed items as identified by UWCHQ’s community partner agencies, and purchased items can be directly shipped to United Way’s Jamestown office.

– Donate to Community Baby Shower during Give Big CHQ. This year, the 24-online day of giving for nonprofits in Chautauqua County will be held on June 12. All donations made to United Way as part of Give Big CHQ will go to buy necessities for newborns in Chautauqua County as part of the 2025 Community Baby Shower.

– Share UWCHQ’s social media posts about Community Baby Shower. Show support by taking a picture and tagging United Way when making a donation.

– Businesses can become a sponsor of the Community Baby Shower. For more information, call or email Dean.

“We’re so grateful to every individual and every business who steps up to support this effort,” Rinaldo said. “The Community Baby Shower is a powerful example of what happens when people come together to meet a real need.”

Sponsors include Nottingham Advisors, Southern Tier Family Dentistry, UPMC, Century 21 Turner Brokers, Lane Women’s Health Group and Walmart.