Donate On Guide
There are many material goods MAAP is not able to accept due to limited space and organizational capacity. However, there are many amazing organizations that will happily accept your donations of quality material goods where they will either provide direct aid or otherwise support community members living in poverty in the Greater Boston Area and stay out of landfills. If you know of an organization or service provider who is in need of material donations, please contact MAAP’s Executive Director, Cassie Hurd, at churd@maapma.org, so we may add them to our list.
Arts & Crafts Supplies, Office Supplies
& Greeting Cards
Women’s Lunch Place
67 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617)267-1722
The Women’s Lunch Place provides a safe, comfortable daytime shelter, nutritious food, and services for women who are homeless or poor. The Creative Expressions Program provides opportunities for women to express themselves through art both freely and in facilitated groups and classes. The Resource Center is a self-advocacy center where women can check their email, look for housing and jobs, work on resumes & cover letters, send and receive mail & faxes and coordinate medical care and other needs.
Accepts:
Creative Expressions Program: Yarn, Knitting & Crochet Needles, Watercolor Paper, Canvas, Sketch Books, Acrylic & Watercolor Paint & Paint Brushes.
Resource Center: Copy Paper, Pens, Manila Envelopes, Notebooks, Folders, Flash Drives, General Office Supplies (Paper Clips, Whiteout etc.) and Greeting Cards.
How to Donate: Items may be dropped off during hours listed below
Mon-Sat: 8:30am-11am
1pm-2pm
Bicycles & Rags
Bikes Not Bombs
284 Amory St.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617)522-0222
Bikes Not Bombs uses the bicycle as a vehicle for social change. BNB reclaims thousands of bicycles each year and creates local and global programs that provide skill development, jobs and sustainable transportation. BNB’s programs mobilize youth and adults to be leaders in community transformation.
Accepts: Bicycles (Road, Hybrid, Mountain, BMX and Tandem), Bicycle Parts, Tools of any kind, Cycling Clothing and Accessories (Helmets, Bags, Lights, Pumps, Locks etc.).
Cannot Accept: Anything that has rust, kick scooters, Exercise Equipment or anything motorized.
How to Donate: Donations may be dropped off during BNB’s hours of operation. Please see website for additional drop off locations. BNB also asks for an optional donation of $10/bicycle to cover shipping costs for bikes sent overseas.
How to Donate:
Donations can be dropped off during noted hours at The Hub (best for Bikes Not Bombs) or The Shop. Bikes Not Bombs also hosts bike drives and has volunteer drop-off points. To find an upcoming bike drive or volunteer drop off point go here.
The Hub (Best for Bikes Not Bombs)
284 Amory Street Jamaca Plain, MA 02130
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 10am-5pm
Thurs: 12pm-10pm
The Shop
18 Bartlett Square Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Wed, Thurs, Fri: 1pm-6:30pm
Sat: 9am-4pm
Sun: 12pm-4pm
CommonWheels
Earn-A-Bike Program
CommonWheels Bicycle Collective hosts Earn-A-Bike programs for women in the Allston-Brighton area. This program is designed to give women who lack financial access to a bicycle an opportunity to learn bike mechanics and maintenance while fixing up a bicycle that they will keep at the end of the program. Participants will be taught skills such as how to fix a flat tire, how to fix brakes, and how to fix problems inside their bike. Participants go on community rides to learn about cycling safely in the city.
Accepts: Bicycles (Road, Hybrid, Mountain, BMX and Tandem), Bicycle Parts, Tools of any kind, Cycling Clothing and Accessories (Helmets, Bags, Lights, Pumps, Locks etc.).
Cannot Accept: Anything that has rust, kick scooters, Exercise Equipment or anything motorized.
How to Donate:
Fill out the contact form here to arrange a donation.
Books & Media
More Than Words
56 Felton Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781)788-0035
242 E. Berkeley St. 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
More Than Words aims to empower youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless or out of school. Youth are provided employment skills training, personal transition planning and case management to support their progress towards further education and employment.
Accepts: Hardcover or Paperback Fiction & Non-Fiction, Antique Books, Audio Books (CD or Cassette), Music CD's, Movies (DVD) and video games (all items must be in good condition).
Cannot Accept: Encyclopedias, VHS tapes, audio cassettes or magazines/periodicals.
How to Donate:
Donations may be dropped off at either the Waltham or Boston locations.
Waltham
Tues-Fri: 10:30am-6pm
Sat & Sun: 10:30am-4pm
Boston
Tues-Fri: 10:30am-6pm
Sat & Sun: 10:30am-4pm
You can also drop off your donations off at one of More Than Word's conveniently located donation containers. You can locate a donation container here.
To arrange a donation pick up in Eastern MA please call (617)674-5555 or email bookdrives@mtwyouth.org. More Than Words kindly asks for a monetary donation at the time of pick-up to support the continued good work and skill development of their youth team.
Prison Book Program
c/o Lucy Parsons Bookstore
1306 Hancock St.
Quincy, MA 02169
(basement of the United First Parish Church)
(617)423-3298
Prison Book Program mails books to people in prison to support their educational, vocational and personal development and to help them avoid returning to prison after their release.
Prison restrictions and prisoner requests determine which books are sent to prisoners and which are not. A more detailed list of books The Prison Book Program can and cannot accept go here. Due to space limitations the Prison Book Project can accept a maximum of 4 boxes or bags per donation.
Accepts: Paperback fiction & non-fiction in good to new condition that is 25 years old or newer. Topics in high demand include: African-American, Native American, Mexican, Aztec, Mayan and Puetro Rican Studies, English Dictionaries & Thesauruses, Foreign Language Dictionaries, GED Prep, Spanish/English Dictionaries, How to Start a Small Business, Consumer-Level Legal Materials, General Health, GLBTQ Studies, Trades (i.e. woodworking, automotive), Spirituality & Religion, History, Psychology & Philosophy, Secret Societies & The Occult, Mysteries and Westerns.
Cannot Accept: Hardcover books, Encyclopedias, Legal & Academic Journals, Textbooks printed before 2000, Books with spiral or comb bindings, Books with stickers or writing in the margins (light highlighting OK), and children's picture books.
How to Donate:
Donations may be dropped off during the following hours:
Tues & Thurs: 6:30pm-9pm
Additional donation hours can be found here.
Building Materials
Resource Center at Boston Building Resources
100 Terrace St.
Boston, MA 02120
(617)442-2262
The Resource Center at Boston Building Resources provides high-value, affordable materials, both new and used, for home maintenance and home improvement. Customers can find expert advice, technical assistance and home improvement workshops. BBR provides low-cost rain barrels, home compost bins, weather stripping and materials made from recycled components. Anyone can shop at the resource center. Additional discounts are given to "plus members", those who meet income guidelines and non-profit charitable organizations.
Accepts: Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops, Sinks, Faucets & Appliances; Bathroom Vanities, Sinks, Faucets, Tubs & Enclosures, Ceramic Tile; Windows; Doors; Lumber, Plywood & Drywall; Flooring; Electrical and Paint.
For a detailed list of what the Resource Center at Boston Building Resources can and cannot accept go here.
How to Donate:
Contact BBR via phone at (617)442-2262 or by filling out their "Donation Offer Form" here to ensure your donation will be accepted. After you have received confirmation that BRR can accept your donation you may drop off your donation at BBR or request a pickup.
Donation Drop off Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 8am-4:30pm
Thurs: 8am-7pm
Sat: 9am-3pm
Donation Pickup Up:
BBR requires a pickup fee ($25 inside Route 495; $50 outside Route 495) to help cover vehicle and staffing costs associated with collecting your donation. This fee can be paid here after receiving confirmation that they can accept your donation and before scheduling your pickup.
Cell Phones
Unfortunately, our previous partner organization who provided cell phones to low-income individuals recently stopped accepting donations. If you know of an organization that refurbishes computers for people in need please contact us so we may add them to our list.
Children’s Items
Children’s Clothing Exchange
391 Everteze Way
(basement of Roosevelt Towers)
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617)576-0039
Clothing Exchange provides homeless and low-income parents with clothing and other items for their children which can then be traded for more age-appropriate clothing, books and toys as their child grows for an annual membership fee of $50 or $25 and 25 volunteer hours.
Accepts: Children’s Clothing, Footwear, Infant Items (formula, diapers, bottles etc.), Baby Equipment (car seats, cribs, carriage etc.), Toys (board games, puzzles, dolls etc.), Children’s Books and School Supplies. See website for detailed list of acceptable items.
How to Donate:
Items that are clean and in good condition may be dropped off during operating hours. If you are in need of a tax receipt a legible inventory list including your name and address should accompany your donation.
Donation Drop Off Hours:
Tues, Wed, Thurs: 10am-4pm
Cradles to Crayons
155 North Beacon St.
Brighton, MA 02135
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, who are low-income or experiencing homelessness, with the essential items they need to thrive-at home, at school and at play.
Accepts: Children’s Clothing & Footwear, Books, New Arts & Crafts Supplies, Toys, New Baby Gear (strollers, car seats etc.) and New Baby Supplies (safety, feeding, bedding etc.). For a more detailed list of what can and cannot be accepted please go here.
How to Donate:
Items may be dropped off at various drop boxes that you can find by zip code here.
Birthday Wishes
11 Homer Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
(866)388-9474
Birthday Wishes makes a difference in the lives of children experiencing homelessness and their families by bringing them the joy of a birthday party, ensuring that children are not denied this important rite of passage simply because of their living situation. Their On-site Program provides monthly parties at the shelters and celebrates all children, ages 1-19 years, with birthdays in that month. Their Birthday-in-a-Box Program provides a party box and birthday gifts to children and their families staying in domestic violence safe shelters, hotels, and scattered sites.
Accepts: Themed Plates, Cups & Napkins, Themed Plastic Tablecloths, Themed Birthday Banners, Streamers, Party Hats, Blowers, Balloons, Disposable Cake Pans, Wrapping Paper, Silverware, Toddler Toys, Toddler Books, Action Figures, Legos, Sports Equipment, Lotion Sets, Hair/Makeup Accessories, Drawstring Bags and Water Bottles.
*All items must be new and in their original packaging.
Does Not Accept: Used Items, Clothing, Stuffed Animals, Pinatas, Candy, Violent Toys, Knives, Religious Items, Birthday Cards & Invitations, Electronics, Computer Games, DVDs, Room Decor, Furniture, Confetti, Gift Cards, Ride on Toys, Open Packages of Paper Goods, Paper or plastic cups (juice boxes are used at our parties), and Goody bag items that present a choking hazard to children younger than 3 years old.
How to Donate:
Donations may be dropped off at the Birthday Wishes Greater Boston (Newton) Office, Birthday In A Box Fulfillment Center, or the Western, MA office.
Greater Boston (Newton)
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Birthday-In-A-Box (BIAB) Fulfillment Center
100 Tower Office Park, Suite Q
Woburn, MA 01801
Tues & Thurs: 9am-2pm
Western MA
4 Open Square Way, Suite 209
Holyoke, MA 01040
Mon & Fri: 8am-1pm
Tues & Wed: 9am-1pm
Computers
Unfortunately, our previous partner organization who provided refurbished computers to low-income individuals recently closed. If you know of an organization that refurbishes computers for people in need please contact us so we may add them to our list.
For now, www.cristina.org enables your to search for local non-profit organizations that are accepting material donations of specific technology.
Eyeglasses
Lenscrafters Onesight
Onesight is dedicated to providing healthy vision, eyewear and sun protection to those in need. Onesight operates temporary optical clinics, vision vans and builds sustainable vision care centers worldwide. Collected glasses are refurbished and dispensed to patients.
Accepts: Prescription Eyeglasses, Bifocals and Sunglasses.
How to Donate:
Eyeglasses may be dropped off at any Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision or Sears Optical location.
Furniture
Household Goods of MA
530 Main St.
Acton, MA 01720
(978)635-1710
HGRM matches the great need for household items with the generosity of the surrounding communities. HGRM accepts and distributes recycled household goods free of charge to individuals and families in need through the use of volunteers and in cooperation with community agencies and organizations.
Accepts: Metal Bedframes, Mattresses & Box Springs, Dresses & Bureaus, Night Stands, Kitchen & Dining Room Tables & Chairs, Sofas, Loveseats, Sofabeds & Recliners, Coffee & End Tables, Computers (5 years or newer), Flat Screen Monitors, Printers (3 years or newer), Car Seats, Changing Tables, High Chairs, Pack-N-Plays, Safety Gates, Strollers and Toddler Beds. For a detailed list of items that can and cannot be accepted go here.
How to Donate:
Items may be dropped off during hours of operation.
Tues, Thurs & Sat: 9am-12pm
Medical Supplies
Boston Health Care for the Homeless
780 Albany St.
Boston, MA 02118
(857)654-1000
BHCHP is committed to a single, powerful mission-to provide or assure access to the highest quality health care for all men, women and children experiencing homelessness in the Greater Boston Area.
Accepts: Crutches, Canes and Wheelchairs
How to Donate: Contact BHCHP to arrange a drop off time.
Cambridge Council On Aging
806 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)349-6220
The Cambridge Council on Aging aims to improve and enhance the quality of life of older persons in Cambridge.
Accepts: Crutches, Canes, Walkers and Wheelchairs.
How to Donate:
Contact Council to arrange a drop off time.
Etrusco
1 Common St.
Scituate, MA 02066
(781)545-4411
Scituate Etrusco Associates loans a wide range of medical and nursing equipment for home use to residents of the South Shore who cannot afford to purchase the items they need.
Accepts: Walkers, Canes, Commodes, Crutches, Wheel Chairs, Occupational Therapy Equipment, Home Medical Care, Bandaging Supplies, Bathing Supplies and Slings & Braces. See website for a detailed list of what can and cannot be accepted.
How to Donate:
Clean items in good to new condition may be dropped off during the following hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am-2pm
Sat: 10am-12pm
Musical Instruments & Gear
Girls Rock Campaign Boston
Girls Rock Campaign Boston (GRCB) empowers girls to believe in themselves by providing a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence, and collaboration through musical education and performance. GRCB offers a volunteer run summer program for girls.
Accepts: PA Systems, Electric Guitars & Basses, Guitar & Bass Amps, Full Drum Kits, Keyboards etc. For a more detailed list of instruments, gear, and accessories BRCB accepts go here.
How to Donate:
To arrange a donation contact GRCB at donate@girlsrockboston.org.
Sporting Goods
Boston Scholar Athletes
57 Magazine Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
(617)517-4573
Boston Scholar Athletes mission is to improve academic achievement through athletics in the Boston Public High Schools. BSA provides mentoring, tutoring, summer job placement assistance, a College Readiness Initiative, athletic skills training and equipment and uniforms.
Accepts: Slightly used athletic apparel and equipment for sports including: soccer, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, cheerleading, basketball, track and swimming.
How to Donate:
Contact Boston Scholar Athletes to arrange a drop-off time.
Out of Season Clothing, Small Furniture, Sporting Goods, Office Supplies
& Other Misc. Items
Boomerangs Thrift Store
563 Mass. Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)758-6128
716 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617)524-5120
1870 Centre St.
West Roxbury, MA 02132
(617)323-0262
Boomerangs is AIDS Action Committee's family of thrift stores, providing critical funding for AAC's work to prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of people already living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts.
Accepts: Clothing, Small Furniture, Sporting Goods, Office Supplies, Housewares and Decorative Items (including vases & baskets).
Cannot Accept: Mattresses, Futons, Sleeper Sofas.
How to Donate:
Donations may be made at stores during the hours listed below.
Cambridge
Mon–Sat: 12 pm–6 pm
Sun: 12 pm–5 pm
Jamaica Plain
Mon–Wed, Sat: 10:30 am–6 pm
Thu–Fri: 10:30 am–7 pm
Sun: 12 pm–5 pm
West Roxbury
Mon-Sat: 10 am–6 pm
Boomerangs also provides furniture pick up through a self scheduling system that can be found here. Appointments are scheduled up to 30 days in advance, with a typical wait time of 3-4 weeks. If you receive a message stating “all available dates for this address are already booked,” it means that all slots have been filled over the next 30 days in your zone/neighborhood. There is a 2 item minimum for appointments to be scheduled. Pickups are performed on 1st and 2nd floors (1 flight); anything above the 2nd floor must have an elevator with adequate space to move the pieces.