Over 700 children from ages 0-2 live in poverty in Chautauqua County. To help these babies thrive, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is bringing together local businesses and agencies to support families and babies by collecting the essential baby items in its annual “Community Baby Shower,” which kicks off this week. From April 18-June 15, UWAY SCC raises money and collects items for local programs that support at-risk mothers and babies in this community—many of whom cannot afford necessities like bottles, diapers, strollers, pacifiers, bibs, etc. Local businesses, community groups, church groups and volunteer groups host a baby shower, collect items, and then drop them off to the United Way office so they can be distributed to local agencies. “Last year, we collected over 500 essentials for babies and distributed them to 8 agencies that work directly with babies,” says Lindsey Goold, Director of Community Impact at UWAY SCC. “It really makes a difference to these families—having a stroller or a pack-n-play for a newborn, or even extra bottles; plus, it’s just a fun thing to do with your friends and coworkers!” This year, the Community Baby Shower is co-sponsored by Jamestown Pediatrics, UPMC Chautauqua, Cummins, Inc., and Wegmans.
Community members and groups can help by:
• Participating in the community baby shower drive at Wegmans in Jamestown, where items can be bought or dropped off in their collection bins April 18-April 30.
• Hosting a baby shower: Create an event or drop off at your business or organization and bring the essentials for families to the United Way office (208 Pine Street, Jamestown between 8am-4pm Monday-Friday) by June 15.
• Text BABYUNITED to 41444 to donate directly to our Community Baby Shower campaign. 100% of these donations will go towards buying items for the Community Baby Shower.
• Donate to UWAY SCC on June 9 during Give Big Chq, a 24-hour online giving day for nonprofits in Chautauqua County. 100% of the donations received during the giving day will buy necessities for babies in Chautauqua County. See UWAY SCC’s giving page for the day here: https://www.givebigchq.org/organizations/united-way-of-southern-chautauqua-county