Needs From: United Way of South Central Tennessee

Join United Way of South Central Tennessee for our annual Baby Basics Drive, reimagined for 2026. This one-day event at Patterson Park Community Center brings together volunteers to collect, count, and organize donations of unopened diapers and wipes to support new and expectant parents in our community.

Your participation helps ease the burden on local families by ensuring they have access to essential baby items and resources. The cost of caring for a baby adds up quickly, and your support helps parents receive the supplies they need and connect with community programs that give their little ones the best possible start in life.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Choose the shift that works best for you.

8:00–10:00 a.m. | Drop-Off & Intake (Shift 1)
Assist with greeting donors, unloading vehicles, collecting, and beginning the sorting process for diaper and wipe donations.

10:00–12:00 p.m. | Sorting & Counting (Shift 2)
Help organize donations by size and type, complete counts, and prepare items for distribution.

12:00–2:00 p.m. | Sorting, Clean-Up & Delivery Prep (Shift 3)
Assist with packing, labeling, staging donations for agency pickup, and event clean-up.

What to Wear:
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers will be moving and lifting light to moderate boxes.

Who Can Volunteer:
Individuals, families, corporate teams, and groups are welcome.

Interested in helping us get books into the homes of over 17,000 children in Rutherford and Cannon Counties? We are in need of ongoing date entry support to sustain your local Imagination Library.

We are seeking regular volunteers who can commit to a few hours each month in the United Way office at the Rutherford Chamber Building. The ideal volunteer is a fast learner, efficient at data entry, and looking for more than a one-time opportunity. The system is not difficult, but it is quirky. The more often you do it, the faster you will get! This is a flexible opportunity and can be scheduled at your convenience!

 

About Imagination Library

Rutherford County and Cannon County Imagination Libraries are building a foundation for children ages birth to five for literacy and learning. At no cost for the families enrolled, these programs are provide a new, age-appropriate book each month to over 17,000 children in our communities. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties serves as the local sustaining partner of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, in conjunction with Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. 

Your local Imagination Library is powered by supporters like you. You are the driving force behind the 17,000 Imagination Library books that are delivered each month to children ages birth to five in Rutherford and Cannon counties.

The 7th Annual Storybook Breakfast happening at Overall Creek Elementary is coming up and we are thrilled to promote early literacy through your local Imagination Library.

 

Below you will find the jobs that will be assigned for each shift. You will receive your job placement on the morning of the event. The last shift will be used for final clean up and shut down of the event space. 

Breakfast Assistance - Assist in the set up and clean up of food. Assist in serving food at event to attendees Registration - Assist in checking in attendees upon arrival at Overall Creek Elementary Character Helper - Assist the storybook characters at the event Crafts Helper - Assist at craft stations at the event Directions/Signage - Assist guests with navigating the event location and setting up directional signage for event stations

Be the warm welcome that brightens someone’s day! As our Front Desk Greeter, you’ll serve as the first point of contact for visitors and callers helping create a friendly, organized, and welcoming environment at United Way.

What You’ll Do:

Greet and assist guests as they arrive Answer and direct phone calls Help with light office tasks and general administrative support

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting with people, staying organized, and supporting a mission-driven team. We’re looking for a dependable volunteer who can commit to Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each week.

Your time helps strengthen our community