United Way of Chautauqua County’s annual Community Baby Shower collection drive will kick off on Friday. Pictured here from left with early donations are new UWCHQ Director of Finance & Administration Michael Krepps, Northern Chautauqua Community Relations Coordinator Daniel Siracuse and Executive Director Amy Rohler.

The generosity shown each year by Chautauqua County residents during United Way’s Community Baby Shower makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local at-risk moms and their newborns. Kicking off on Friday, the 2026 UWCHQ Community Baby Shower will again ensure that families have the resources they need to give their children a healthy start in life.

Through its connections across sectors, United Way is again mobilizing individuals, businesses and community organizations to facilitate this important collection drive throughout the county. This year, UWCHQ will partner with Northwest Arena, M&T Bank locations in Dunkirk and Jamestown, 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, UWCHQ Executive Director. “When people and organizations across this county come together, families feel it — and so do we.”

Last year, UWCHQ received donations totaling $8,760. All monetary gifts were used to purchase essential items for moms and babies. Those 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, UWCHQ 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.”

HOW TO DONATE

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 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.

— Bemus Point Golf Course & Tap House at 72 Main Street in Bemus Point (May 1st through May 11th 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 UWCHQ’s partner agencies. To learn more, text “BabyUnited” to 41444.

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

— 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 at your location.

— Host an in-office baby shower. Invite your team to bring baby items, play games, and celebrate the spirit of giving — all while building camaraderie and supporting local families. UWCHQ provides a toolkit to help get your event started and will recognize participating businesses on social media.

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

To learn more about any of these opportunities, 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.

United Way of Chautauqua County mobilizes the community to help every person and family improve their lives. For more than one hundred years, United Way has been the trusted nonprofit locally and a pillar — strengthening the systems families rely on and expanding solutions that create lasting change.