MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — United Way of South Central Tennessee (UWSCTN) has announced its 2026 Baby Basics Collection Drive, presented by Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, an initiative designed to give parents and infants a healthy start by providing essential items needed during a child’s earliest months. Organizers say the program helps ease the financial strain many new families face while also connecting parents with vital local resources and support services, with UWSCTN collecting unopened packages of diapers and wipes in all sizes as part of the community-wide drive.

Once collected, donated items are sorted and distributed to trusted local partner organizations that work directly with families in need. Distribution partners include Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Portico Pregnancy Center, Holloway High School, Rutherford County Safe Baby Court, StoneCrest Medical Center, and additional community agencies.

Community members can support Baby Basics in several ways. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups in both Murfreesboro and Tullahoma, with sign-ups available through United Way’s website. Financial contributions are also encouraged, with a $30 donation helping provide essential supplies for a new parent and baby. Donations directly benefit local families.

Those wishing to donate items can collect new diapers and wipes and drop them off at a designated collection site by February 17. For added convenience, supporters may also purchase items from UWSCTN’s Amazon Wish List and have them shipped directly to United Way. A complete list of drop-off locations is available at www.yourlocaluw.com/babybasics.

UWSCTN also recognized the sponsors making this year’s drive possible, including Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Fred Farrer Properties, City of Murfreesboro – Patterson Park, City of Murfreesboro Water Resources Department, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Nelson Mazda Murfreesboro, Fred Halfpap, Matthew and Julie Stump, Cornerstone Federal Credit Union, and Wilson Bank & Trust.

More information on Baby Basics and ways to get involved can be found at yourlocaluw.org/babybasics.