United Way Kicks Off Annual "Community Baby Shower" Drive At M&T Bank

Community Baby Shower Kickoff at MandT Bank

UNITED WAY COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER

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.

On Monday, Eric Rinaldo, UWSCC Community Impact Manager, visited the M&T Bank southside 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,” Rinaldo added.

This year, the Community Baby Shower will run through June 13. Items can be dropped off at the United Way office at 208 Pine Street, at 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, Century 21 Turner Brokers, Lane Women’s Health Group and The 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 fun team-building activity. For more info or ideas on how to throw an in-office baby shower, contact Nick Dean, UWSCC 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.
  • 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 your business be added as a drop-off site for goods, contact Nick Dean, UWSCC Communications and Campaign Coordinator, by emailing ndean@uwayscc.org or calling 716-483-1561.

Help newborn babies and their mothers in the community get off to a good start!

Community Baby Shower one sheet

Click HERE to download the above flier to print and share!