American Friends Service Committee
Material Aid & Advocacy Program
Wishlist & Donation Guide
Contact: Cassie Hurd, Program Coordinator
Phone: (617)876-5312 E-Mail: [email protected]
5 Longfellow Park Cambridge, MA 02138
(basement of Cambridge Friends Meetinghouse off Brattle St)
The AFSC Material Aid & Advocacy Program (MAAP) is a one-stop resource for those in need in the
Greater Boston Area. MAAP alleviates people’s immediate basic suffering by providing referred
recipients with free material aid; including clothing, household goods, survival supplies and hygienic
items. MAAP assists recipients in meeting their wider needs by providing critical information including
all the information necessary for individuals to access shelters, food pantries, community meals,
employment assistance and more independently via our Resource Guides. Annually MAAP serves
over 2,000 individuals and families referred by over 80 service providers and community
organizations from the Greater Boston Area. MAAP is committed to treating all recipients with dignity
and respect, and provides a safe space to share resources, build community and move forward
together. MAAP also advocates alongside and on behalf of those they are serving for their immediate
needs, such as humane and dignified treatment in shelters and improved shelter conditions, as well
as long-term solutions to homelessness including increased low-income housing, expanded voucher
programs and housing first initiatives.
Wish List
Donations are accepted at the Clothing Room Tues & Thurs 9am-3pm.
If you have any questions or would like to host a donation drive please contact us.
MAAP strives to provide our recipients with items of the highest quality. Please help us by donating
the items listed below in good to new condition, with absolutely no rips or stains. Items that are not of
use to our recipients or are not of the best quality take up precious space and cost us valuable time to
sort and deliver to other service providers. Please use your best discretion when choosing items to
donate. If you are unsure if an item you would like to donate would be of use to our recipients please
contact us before bringing it to MAAP.
Clothing & Accessories (GOOD to NEW condition, please)
Clean, Seasonal*, Fashionable Clothing in good condition for Adults (esp. in larger sizes)
*We accept good quality Winter Coats, Boots, Hats, Scarves & Gloves/Mittens year-round
Underwear, Bras, Socks and Pajamas in brand new condition for men and women
Shoes & Boots, Belts, Ties, Scarves, Purses, Umbrellas and Reading Glasses in good condition
Housewares (MUST be in LIKE NEW condition, please)
Pots, Pans & Bakeware
Cooking Prep & Kitchen Utensils
Dishware & Glassware
Silverware & Mugs
Small Kitchen Appliances
Radios, CD Players & Alarm Clocks
Table & Floor Lamps
Newer TVs & Converter Boxes
Fans & Space Heaters
Ironing Boards & Irons
Linens (NO rips or stains, please)
Bedding & Pillows
Curtains
Bath Mats & Shower Curtains
Towels- Bath, Hand & Washcloths
Full & Trial Size Hygiene Kit Items (All must be New & Unopened, please)
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Soap & Body Wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Brushes & Combs
Disposable Razors
Pocket Tissues
Maxi Pads & Tampons
Band-Aids
Antiseptic Wipes
Lotion
ChapStick
Baby Wipes
Survival Supplies (Good Condition, please)
Tarps
Sleeping Bags
Camp Mats & Yoga mats
Flashlights
Rain Ponchos
Mylar Blankets
Hand Warmers
Travel Sewing Kit
Sunblock
Water Bottles
Coffee Mugs
“Mess Kit”
Miscellaneous
Rolling Luggage & Metal Shopping Carts
Daypacks, Backpacks & Duffel Bags
Reusable Shopping Bags
Bungee Cords
Single Fare MBTA Passes
$5 gift cards to Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds etc.
Granola & Energy Bars, Fruit Cups, Fruit
Snacks & Other Individually Wrapped Snacks
Semi-Annual Tag Sale Fundraiser Items (Items must be in New condition, please)
Our Tag Sale takes place in May & Nov; donations may be made year-round
Vintage & Designer Clothing
Jewelry
Fine Art
China
Collectibles
Antiques
School Supply Drive Items (Items must all be New, please)
MAP distributes backpacks & supplies in September; donations may be made year-round
Backpacks
Pencils
Pencil Cases
Erasers
Pencil Sharpeners
Pens (Black & Blue)
Highlighters
3-Ring Binders
Spiral Notebooks
Loose-Leaf Paper
Folders
Index Cards
Rulers
Children’s Scissors
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Markers
Drawing Paper
Glue Sticks
School Glue
MAAP Operations Supplies
Letter & Legal Size Copy Paper
HP 950/951 Black, Yellow, Cyan, Blue Ink
Black Sharpie Markers
Ziplock Bags
Masking Tape
30 Gallon Garbage bags (sturdy)
Cleaning Wipes
Postcard & Regular Stamps
As noted there are many material goods MAAP is not able to accept due to
limited space and program 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 benefit people in need 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
Program Coordinator, Cassie Hurd at [email protected]
so we may add them to our list.
Bicycles & Rags
Bikes Not Bombs
284 Amory St.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617)522-0222
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
10am-6pm
Wed: 12pm-10pm
bikesnotbombs.org
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.
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.
CommonWheels
Earn-A-Bike Program
http://www.commonwheels.org/
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:
http://www.commonwheels.org/feedback
to arrange a donation.
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.
Books & Media
More Than Words
376 Moody St.
Waltham, MA 02453
(781)788-0035
Tues-Thurs: 11:30am-
9pm
Fri & Sat: 11:30am-10pm
Sun: 11:30am-6pm
242 E. Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02118
Fri & Sat: 10:30am-6pm
Sun: 10:30am-4pm
mtwyouth.org
Accepts: Hardcover or Paperback Fiction & Non-Fiction,
Antique Books, Audio Books (CD or Cassette), Music CD's,
Movies (DVD & VHS) and video games (all items must be
in good condition).
Cannot Accept: Books in Poor Condition (ripped or missing
pages, water damaged, moldy, extreme writing or
highlighting), Out of Date: Health, Textbooks, Computer
Books, Travel Guides, Encyclopedias, Periodicals,
Magazines, Music Cassettes and Fiction Mass Market
Books.
How To Donate: Books may be dropped off at either
location during store hours, see website for additional drop
box locations.
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: 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 books in poor
condition.
How to Donate: Books may be dropped off during hours of
operation.
The Prison Book Program provides books to individual prisoners in the United States.
Prisoners have limited access to educational materials, which are a powerful tool in
reducing the likelihood that an individual will return to the prison system.
Building Materials
Resource Center
at Boston Building
Resources
100 Terrace St.
Boston, MA 02120
Accepts: Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops, Sinks, Faucets &
Appliances; Bathroom Vanities, Sinks, Faucets, Tubs &
Enclosures, Ceramic Tile; Windows; Doors; Lumber,
Plywood & Drywall; Flooring; Electrical and Paint. Detailed
wishlist can be found at MAP.
(617)442-2262
Mon-Fri: 8am-4:30pm
Sun: 10:30am-4pm
bostonbuildingresources.com
How to Donate: Contact BBR via phone or by filling out
their "Donation Offer Form" located on their website to
ensure your donation will be accepted. Drop-Off donation
during their hours of operation or schedule a home
pickup.
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.
Cell Phones
HopeLine from Verizon
Verizon Locations
verizon.com
Accepts: Cell phones, accessories and chargers in any
condition from any wireless provider.
How to Donate: Erase all data from the phone, remove any
storage cards and turn off phone before donating.
Donations may be made at any Verizon Wireless location
or mailed in a postage paid envelope (see website for info).
HopeLine collects cell phones that are no longer in use, refurbishes them and provides
them to survivors of domestic violence connecting them to vital resources. Phones
include 3,000 anytime minutes and are given to survivors affiliated with domestic
violence agencies.
Children’s Items
Children’s Clothing
Exchange
391 Everteze Way
(Roosevelt Towers)
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617)576-0039
Tues-Thurs: 10am-4pm
2
nd
& 4
th
Sat: 11am-3pm
solutionsatwork.org
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 hours of operation. If you are in
need of a tax receipt a legible inventory list including your
name and address should accompany donation.
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. MAP works in partnership with The Children’s
Clothing Exchange to ensure the needs of entire families both programs serve are met.
Cradles to Crayons
155 North Beacon St.
Brighton, MA 02135
Tues-Fri: 10am-3pm
cradlestocrayons.org
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.).
See website for a detailed list of what can and cannot be
accepted.
How to Donate: Items may be dropped off during hours of
operation or at various drop boxes throughout the area
(locations listed on website).
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or
low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive-at home, at school
and at play.
Children’s Toys & Party Supplies (New only, please!)
Birthday Wishes
11 Homer Street
Newton Centre, MA 02459
To schedule drop off time,
Birthdaywishes.org/contact
birthdaywishes.org
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.
Birthday Wishes makes a difference in the lives of homeless children 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.
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
Lenscrafters, Pearle
Vision & Sears Optical
Locations
onesight.org
Accepts: Prescription Eyeglasses, Bifocals and
Sunglasses.
How to Donate: Eyeglasses may be dropped off at any
Lenscrafters, Pearle Vision or Sears Optical location.
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.
Furniture
Household Goods of MA
530 Main St.
Acton, MA 01720
(978)635-1710
Tues, Thurs & Sat:
9am-12pm
hgrm.org
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. See website for a
detailed list of items that can and cannot be accepted.
How to Donate: Items may be dropped off during hours of
operation.
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.
MA Coalition for the
Homeless Furniture Bank
15 Bubier St.
Lynn, MA 01901
(781)595-7570 X13
Albenny Arcangel
Albenny@MAhomeless.org
mahomeless.org
Accepts: Kitchen Tables, Kitchen Chairs, Couches, Love
Seats, Sofa Chairs, Ottomans, Hutches, End Tables,
Coffee Tables, Dressers, Mirrors, Rugs, Bed Frames,
Lamps, Bookshelves, Cabinets, Cribs, Toddler Beds,
High Chairs, Playpens, Bouncers, Swings, Walkers,
Jumpers, Child Carriers, Booster Seats, Changing Tables,
Bedding, Nursery Décor, Strollers, Rocking Chairs and
Dressers.
How to Donate: Contact to schedule a pick-up or drop-off
time.
MA Coalition for the Homeless Furniture Bank provides basic home essentials to very
low-income individuals and families moving out of homelessness to ensure they have a
solid foundation as they rebuild their homes and their lives.
Medical & Supplies
Boston Healthcare
for the Homeless
780 Albany St.
Boston, MA 02118
(857)654-1000
bhchp.org
Accepts: Crutches, Canes and Wheelchairs
How to Donate: Contact BHCHP to arrange a drop off time.
BHCHP is committed to a single, powerful mission-to provide or assure access to the
highest quality health care for all homeless men, women and children in the Greater
Boston Area.
Cambridge Council
On Aging
806 Mass Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)349-6220
Accepts: Crutches, Canes, Walkers and Wheelchairs.
How to Donate: Contact Council to arrange a drop off time.
The Cambridge Council on Aging aims to improve and enhance the quality of life of older
persons in Cambridge.
Etrusco
1 Common St.
Scituate, MA 02066
(781)545-4411
Mon-Fri: 10am-2pm
Sat: 10am-12pm
Scituateetrusco.com
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 hours of operation.
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.
Musical Instruments & Gear
Girls Rock Campaign
Boston
donate@girlsrockboston.org
girlsrockboston.org
Accepts: PA Systems, Electric Guitars & Basses, Guitar &
Bass Amps, Full Drum Kits, Keyboards etc. For a full list
of acceptable items see website or contact Girls Rock
Camp Boston.
How to Donate: To arrange a donation contact GRCB.
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.
Sporting Goods
Boston Scholar Athletes
65 Allerton St.
Boston, MA 02119
(617)517-4218
Rebekah Splaine Salwasser
RSplaine
@bostonscholarathlete.org
bostonscholarathlete.org
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.
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.
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
Mon-Sat: 12pm-7pm
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 during hours of
operation. Google search "boomerangs furniture pickup" to
be directed to furniture pickup request form.
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.
Arts & Crafts Supplies, Office Supplies & Greeting Cards
Women’s Lunch Place
67 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617)267-1722
Mon-Sat: 8:30am-11am
1pm-2pm
Accepts: Creative Expressions: 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.
womenslunchplace.org
How to Donate: Items may be dropped off during hours
listed.
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.