The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties and the Rutherford County Health Department are set to collect essential baby items for expectant and new mothers beginning Jan. 8 through Feb. 3. The items will be distributed Feb. 8 at the 7th annual Community Baby Shower, presented by Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital and Publix Super Markets Charities. 

The United Way is seeking additional local businesses to join the effort as collection sites for Baby Shower items. More information about the event and how to become a collection site is available at yourlocaluw.org/communitybabyshower. 

This year, the United Way has a goal of 500 baby bags to be distributed to families in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Focusing on one of the United Way’s priority community issues—healthy beginnings—the bags contain essential baby supplies for a healthy start in life.

Items needed to complete the baby bags include: diapers, onesies, baby wipes, bottles, and blankets (new items only for newborn to 6 months old). 

The items will be sorted and baby bags will be assembled at the Community Baby Shower Sort-a-Thon, presented by Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital and Publix Super Markets Charities.

For those interested in organizing and participating in collection efforts, United Way will host a kick-off event on Thursday, Jan. 9. Registration and information is available at www.yourlocaluw.org/communitybabyshower. 

Supporting sponsors for Community Baby Shower include Fred Farrer Properties, Cornerstone Financial Credit Union, Ole South Properties, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Regions Bank, Tennessee Pediatrics, Elite Insurance Solutions – Chase Salas, FirstBank Mortgage – Matthew Stump, Franklin Synergy Bank, Once Upon a Child, Don and Rita Ash, and Wilson Bank and Trust. 

The Community Baby Shower is part of United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ focus on helping children in our community get a great start. Research shows that 90% of physical brain development occurs in the first three years of life. In addition, when a child enters kindergarten ready for school there is an 82% chance that the child will master basic skills by age 11, compared with a 45% chance for children who are not ready for school. United Way is committed to helping more kids in our community be ready for kindergarten and succeed in life.

About United Way

United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way focuses on education, health and financial stability – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done through giving, advocating, and volunteering.