NASHUA – On April 22, the United Way of Greater Nashua will once again turn its office into a welcoming space for new and expecting parents who could use a little extra support.

The annual Community Baby Shower, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is all about neighbors helping neighbors and making sure every baby gets a strong start.

For many Greater Nashua families , welcoming a new baby comes with both joy and financial stress. Nearly 30 percent of local families with children under age five struggle to make ends meet. For parents facing housing instability, food insecurity or limited access to childcare and healthcare, even basic baby supplies can feel out of reach.

At the Community Baby Shower, parents can connect with more than 20 local organizations offering support, information, and encouragement. Participating groups include Child Care Aware of New Hampshire, WIC, Waypoint Family Resource Center, Healthy New Hampshire, St. Joseph Hospital Birth Center, Birthplace at Southern New Hampshire Health, Dartmouth Hitchcock PQC, Smart Start Early Childhood Coalition of Greater Nashua, Parent Network, the Fatherhood Group and the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services and more.

Families will also be invited to “shop” the free Baby Boutique, where donated items — collected from generous individuals, families, and local businesses — will be available to help prepare for their baby’s arrival.

The United Way is currently collecting new and “like new” baby items, and the community’s generosity makes this event possible. Businesses, civic groups, faith communities, and workplaces are encouraged to host collection drives to help gather much-needed supplies.

These items are as follows:

-Strollers, highchairs, booster seats, carriers/backpacks, pack & plays and cribs (crib mattresses not accepted).

-Diapers (all sizes), wipes, rash cream and diaper bags.

-Bibs (new), bottles, breast pumps, burp cloths (new) and baby utensils.

-Baby wash, lotion, shampoo, towels (new) and thermometers.

-Baby clothes (new or “like new”), lightweight blankets, pacifiers (new) and teething rings (new).

-Only new car seats can be accepted due to safety regulations.

-Parenting books and educational toys.

Donations may be dropped off at United Way of Greater Nashua, 20 Broad St., on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. The deadline to drop off donations is April 12.

When neighbors come together, small acts — a pack of diapers, a gently used stroller, a new baby blanket — add up to something powerful. The Community Baby Shower is a reminder that in Greater Nashua, families don’t stand alone.

For more information, to schedule a donation drop-off or to host a collection drive, contact the United Way at info@unitedwaynashua.org or at 603 882-4011.

New items may also be purchased online and shipped directly to us through our donation registry which can be found here: https://unitedwaynashua.org/event/community-baby-shower/.