WALLA WALLA—Becoming a new parent often brings a mix of emotions: among them, joy and stress, in the best of circumstances. Caring for a newborn when you lack basic resources can be particularly challenging and lead to health risks for both babies and parents.

A new program called Care Crates aims to bridge this gap by sending new families home with bassinet boxes filled with the basic items needed to care for a newborn at home. The project is being funded through a new partnership between the Junior Club of Walla Walla and Providence St. Mary Foundation.

Care Crates will include diapers, wipe...