United Way to hold annual diaper drive in August
United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region will hold its annual diaper drive Aug. 1-31 to help stock the UWFH Diaper Bank, which distributes nearly 20,000 diapers each month to 14 local agencies across Western Massachusetts.
Donors are encouraged to give larger diaper sizes — 5, 6 and 7 — along with pull-up training pants and wipes, which are often harder to find at local pantries. Donations can be made online through UWFH’s Amazon wish list, in person at donation sites across Franklin and Hampshire counties, or as cash donations online or by check.
Pop-up donation events are planned for Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at Stop & Shop in Greenfield, and Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at Stop & Shop in Northampton. Updated information on donation sites and events is available at uw-fh.org/diaper-drive.
Diapers can cost more than $100 per month per child, and SNAP and WIC benefits cannot be used to purchase them. Organizers say without an adequate supply, children can be turned away from daycare and early education programs, making it harder for parents to work.
For more information or to host a donation box, visit uw-fh.org/diaper-drive, call 413-584-3962 x102, or email program@uw-fh.org.
Free tobacco cessation group offered in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services will host a free six-week support group for people looking to quit tobacco and nicotine use. “Kicking Nicotine” will meet Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 15 and running through Oct. 20, at the Lilly Library Community Room, 19 Meadow St., Florence.
The group is open to anyone considering quitting, actively working toward quitting, or seeking support to maintain progress. Participants will explore why and when they use tobacco or nicotine, learn evidence-based cessation strategies, and share coping strategies and encouragement with others in the group.
The program will be facilitated by Sandra Mandel, a former smoker who has received specialized training through the Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program, the Center for Tobacco Treatment Research and Training at UMass Medical School, and the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program.
The program is free and open to the public. Registration is required at forms.gle/yedP8MzMQdrp22DKA. Questions about registration can be directed to shoiberg@northamptonma.gov or 413-587-4906.
Easthampton church awards 13th year of scholarships
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Congregational Church has awarded its 2026 Clinton H. Burt Scholarships, marking the 13th year of a program that has supported local students pursuing higher education.
Four students each received $5,000 scholarships this year: Ryan Carson-McDonald, who will attend the University of Massachusetts Boston; Sally Rolland, Mount Holyoke College; Charlotte Rolland, Johns Hopkins University; and Daisy Rolland, Wesleyan University.
Since the program began in 2014, the Clinton H. Burt Scholarship Fund has awarded $333,150 to 26 students. The fund was established through the estate of Clinton H. Burt, a sixth-generation Easthampton dairy farmer and longtime member of the church, who wanted to help young people pursue educational opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
The church credited Adam and Florence Burt and the Burt family for their continued stewardship of the fund. Recipients over the program’s history have gone on to careers in education, healthcare, technology, business and public service, according to the church.
Pig roast to benefit hydrocephalus foundation
WESTHAMPTON — Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Pig Roast benefiting the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, set for Saturday, Sept. 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at Outlook Farm in Westhampton.
The family-friendly fundraiser will feature a pig roast meal with sides and a non-alcoholic beverage, along with live music from local rock band Axis, a craft fair, a bounce house and other children’s activities. Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer will make an appearance from 1 to 2 p.m.
Proceeds will support research, education, advocacy and family support programs for hydrocephalus, a condition sometimes called “water on the brain” that affects thousands of children and families nationwide.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12; children 5 and under get in free. Organizers ask attendees to register in advance to help ensure an accurate headcount. Tickets are available at runsignup.com/TicketEvent/PigRoast2026.