News & Event
The Discovery Museums Offers Free Admission Passes to Benefit Household
“Pots and Pans for Passes” Drive for HGRM Runs from February 25 through March 10
The Discovery Museums has announced a unique program to collect pots and pans for HGRM, Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts. For every pot or pan brought in to the museums from February 25 through March 10, the donor will receive 2 free passes towards a future museum visit. Pots and pans should be in new or gently used condition and may be donated with or without lids.
All donations will be given to HGRM, an independent not-for-profit organization based in Acton, MA that provides household goods, free of charge, to people in need.
“This time of year, our supply of pots and pans is always terribly low. We are delighted with the Discovery Museums’ generous outreach to help remedy this problem,” said HGRM’s Executive Director, Sharon Martens. “Thanks to this drive, many more of HGRM’s client families will be able to cook healthy meals for themselves in their own homes."
Click here for Pots & Pans for Passes Poster
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Local Heroes Barbara and Ira Smith win Gold honoree of the decade award
HGRM’s founders Barbara and Ira Smith were the proud winners of the Gold Honoree of the Decade award in the Community Champion category of the 2012 Older Volunteers Enrich America Awards held in Washington, D.C. on April 20, 2012. The MetLife Older Volunteers Enrich America Awards honor the outstanding contributions older volunteers have made to their local communities.The Community Champion category recognizes those who use their time and talent to make their community a better place to live. Along with this award comes a $5,000 cash contribution for HGRM!
Since founding Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts (HGRM) in Acton in 1990, Barbara and Ira have worked tirelessly with the help of local volunteers to collect gently used furniture and household goods and distribute it to thousands of people in need. The Foundation’s nomination announcement declares that “Barbara and Ira have been beacons of inspiration and hope for hundreds of HGRM volunteers, thousands of donors and several thousand lives in transition".
Thanks to all our friends and supporters for voting and congratulations to Barbara and Ira for their tireless efforts, energy and vision!
Check out the Smiths in the news...USA today & Lowell Sun
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pedal & POSE FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS!
A huge thank you to Norah Benincasa and Pedal & Pose for hosting and organizing our recent fundraiser on April 28th. We raised $6,800 and collected a truckload of great quality furniture and household goods for our clients in need. Thanks to all the spinners, bikers and HGRM volunteers who made it happen! Thanks also to Middlesex Bank, JuJu, Pedal Power and Verrill Farm for sponsorship support!
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Sharon Martens named first Executive Director of HGRM - a letter from the president
HGRM continues to be a growing organization and with that growth, the organizational requirements change. We now have the benefit of ownership of our own building with additional space which will add to the complexity of the operation.
In response to the current needs, the Board of Directors has created the position of Executive Director, and I am pleased to announce that Sharon Martens has accepted the promotion to the position. As Executive Director, she is responsible for all aspects of current operations consisting of Distribution including client and agency relations, Donations including pick-ups and the vehicles, Volunteer Program Management, Inventory and Space Management, Sales, Building Operations, Operational Fund Raising, Publicity, and Community Relations. Others in the organization will be responsible for Financial Operations, Legal, Technical Systems, and the Long Term Capital Campaign.
HGRM has benefited greatly from Sharon's contributions as Director of Operations since she joined us in May 2010. She has gradually increased her area of responsibilities. The new position represents a continued expansion of her efforts. The objective of this change is to maintain the mission and character of HGRM while continuing to improve our operational effectiveness.
Lee Mapletoft
President
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'A Chair to Sit On' 2011
More than 250 people attended HGRM's fundraising auction and by all accounts it was a great success. More people learned about HGRM and our mission, artists got to show off their work and we raised $14,000 to pay rent, insurance, utilities and other expenses that allow HGRM to help people make a home.
Many thanks to all the folks who contributed to the success of this event - volunteers, artists, bidders and buyers, and to our host Larry Powers of Powers Gallery.
| Click Here to View All the Chairs! |
Patriot Cheerleaders and our own Mimi Rutledge encourage lots of bidding during the live auction! |
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Mass DAR Conservation Award
On March 27 HGRM Co-founders Barbara and Ira Smith were awarded the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution Conservation Award. The award was presented by Janet O'Neil, MDAR State Chairman, Conservation, in recognition of the Smiths distinquished volunteer record in conservation.
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"Party in the pods" celebrates 20th anniversary of HGRM
Our 20th anniversary celebration, Party in the Pods held in May was a great success.
The rooms set up in the pods by Karen Maines with only items from the HGRM floor were fabulous and everyone was amazed. We were inspired by the words from Bruce Frankel, author of “What Should I Do with the Rest of My Life” and Barbara and Ira. We were proud to have the Smiths and HGRM recognized by a citation from the Massachusetts Legislature delivered by emeritus Board Member Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Jen Benson. We also enjoyed music by Dell Smart, snacks and cake, and tropical decor arranged by our super "fun-raising" committee.
Click here to read more..
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Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts named Champion in Action
Citizens Bank and NECN provide $25,000 grant, PR and volunteer support 
Citizens Bank and NECN announced on April 15 that Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts (HGRM) has been recognized as a Champion in Action® for the secondquarter of 2010 under the category of family support.
“Citizens Bank is proud to join NECN in naming Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts as our newest Champion in Action,” said Stephen R. Woods, President, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. “HGRM provides furniture and household goods to help individuals and families who are transitioning through a difficult time. These items not only make a home – they provide a sense of hope and dignity, and the courage to move forward towards a brighter future.” learn more here...
Check out NECN's recent video showing HGRM in action here!
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MARCH, 2010 -
Barbara and Ira Smith, HGRM’s founders inspire book on accomplishments in later life.
Barbara and Ira Smith, HGRM’s founders are featured in What Should I Do with the Rest of My Life? True Stories of Finding Success, Passion, and New Meaning in the Second Half of Life by Bruce Frankel, a collection of portraits of later bloomers who have taken on new challenges after age 60 and have succeeded beyond their expectations. Read more here...