Program Highlight: Household Goods Recycling Center of Mass

 

Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts (HGRM) is a not-for-profit organization based in Acton, MA that provides household goods, free of charge, to people in need.

They accept donations of gently used household items and their 200 volunteers receive, sort and distribute items to individuals and families from over 40 communities in eastern Massachusetts including Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Framingham.

HGRM was founded by Ira and Barbara Smith in the early 1990’s. They heard about a woman from El Salvador who had fled her country after 9 neighbors were assassinated. She arrived with nothing. They put out a call to neighbors and friends and the response was wonderful. Within a short time, they had outfitted her apartment and had many things left over. That was the birth of HGRM (in their own driveway!).T hey knew there were many others close by who needed support as they started over. The idea began to grow and Barbara and Ira set up an exchange point in their front yard. For many years they managed it out of their home, running out to cover the couches and beds when the weather was inclement.

How to Receive Goods

Individuals and Families need to have a referral from a social agency, state or federal agency, clergy or other so that we may verify your request.

HGRM "Store"

They also have a "Store" (area with small items) which is open to the public in need for distributions at no cost. Small Household goods are distributed to the members of our community in need every Saturday from 8am - 9am.

Contact Info

• General messages/Furniture pickup line: 978-635-1763
• Client/Agency Appointment line: 978-635-1739 (no email)
• Address: 530 Main Street , Acton, MA 01720

-Adapted from: http://www.hgrm.org retrieved 10/14/09.

 

10/09