Through its connections across sectors, United Way is mobilizing individuals, businesses and community organizations to facilitate the collection drive throughout the county. This year, the United Way will partner with the Northwest Arena, M&T Bank locations in Dunkirk and Jamestown, the Patterson Library in Westfield, Bemus Point Golf Course & Tap House, Crown Street Roasting Company, and more.

“It’s a testament to the power of partnership and shared purpose that this collection drive gets stronger every year,” said Amy Rohler, United Way of Chautauqua County executive director. “When people and organizations across this county come together, families feel it — and so do we.”

Last year, the United Way received donations totaling $8,760. All monetary gifts were used to purchase essential items for moms and babies. The purchases, along with all physical donations, were then distributed to those in need through United Way’s network of community partner agencies.

“The Community Baby Shower is one of the most tangible ways people can support young families in our community,” said Eric Rinaldo, United Way community impact manager. “Every single donation helps make sure a baby has what they need in those earliest months — and when families have a strong start, the whole community is stronger for it.”

Following the conclusion of United Way of Chautauqua County’s Community Baby Shower collection drive each year, agencies from the community take the items donated from the UWCHQ offices to disperse to local mothers in need.

The 2026 Community Baby Shower will run through June 11. New baby items can be dropped off at any of the following collection sites: United Way’s Jamestown office, 208 Pine St.; United Way’s Dunkirk office, 626 Central Ave.; M&T Bank, 737 Foote Ave.., Jamestown; M&T Bank, 1 E. Main St., Fredonia; Northwest Arena, 319 W. Third St., Jamestown; Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage St., Westfield; and the Bemus Point Golf Course & Tap House, 72 Main St., Bemus Point (May 1 through May 11 only)

Donations can also be made online by credit card, or by purchasing items directly from United Way’s Amazon Wish List, which features the top-needed items as identified by the United Way’s partner agencies. To learn more, text “BabyUnited” to 41444.

Beyond making donations, local businesses and community organizations can participate in several ways:

– Become a drop-off site. Expand access to the drive by hosting a collection point.

– Host an in-office baby shower. Invite employees to bring baby items and play games. The United Way provides a toolkit to help get an event started and will recognize participating businesses on social media.

Pictured here are staff from Jamestown Community Learning Council at last year’s Community Baby Shower distribution day. Each year, United Way coordinates the countywide collection drive, and its partner agencies disperse the essential items to local mothers in need. This year’s Community Baby Shower runs from May 1st through June 11th.

– Become a sponsor. Sponsors receive recognition across United Way’s social media, print materials, press releases, website, and community PSAs throughout the campaign.

For more information, contact Nick Dean at ndean@unitedwaychq.org. A “How to Host a Baby Shower” toolkit and 2026 sponsorship form are available online at www.UnitedWayCHQ.org.

Pictured here are staff from YWCA Jamestown at last year’s Community Baby Shower distribution day. Each year, United Way coordinates the countywide collection drive, and its partner agencies disperse the essential items to local mothers in need. This year’s Community Baby Shower runs from May 1st through June 11th.