Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
1. What is the Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts(HGRM)?
HGRM is a not-for-profit agency that provides recycled furniture and household goods, at no charge, to individuals and families in surrounding communities who are in need. We have greater than 250 volunteers. We work with human service agencies, service organizations, religious organizations of all faiths and denominations, and commercial businesses.
2. What types of items do you need?
Our clients are often coming out of hard times and frequently do not have even a bed to sleep on. Our list of most needed items include mattresses, metal bedframes, bureaus, tables, chairs, sofas, refrigerators, washer and dryers, dishes, towels, blankets, sheets, pots and pans and small appliances. Almost anything needed to set up a household except clothing and food are generally accepted. Please check our list of items we accept before donating.
3. Do you also need financial support?
Yes! We also need cash to support the work we do. Our operating expenses (rent, supplies, vehicle maintenance and repairs, etc.) are approximately $290,000 per year. To continue our work and serve our clients we need your support. Check out our monetary donation page for further information.
4. What are ways I can support HGRM?
You can support HGRM in many ways. Make a cash donation, donate household items, let us know about persons in need and/or volunteer your time to help us at HGRM.
5. Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes, when you bring us items for donation or have large items picked up, we will give you a tax receipt for your donation. We do not provide estimated values of donated household items. The donor may estimate the values and use our receipt for proof of donation for income tax purposes. Click here for more info on valuation guides.
6. Who do I make my check out to and what is your mailing address?
Please make your check payable to HGRM, Inc. and send to this address:
HGRM, Inc.
530 Main St.
Acton, MA 01720
or contribute online
7. How do I donate my household goods?
Household goods may be brought to our facility at 530 Main St. in Acton, Mass. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings between 9am and noon. No appointment is necessary. Please see our list of what we do accept and what we do not accept for furniture and other large items or call us with your questions at 978-635-1710. Please check our hours of operation for holidays / warehouse closings.
8. Do you have guidelines for the condition of donated furniture?
We do have guidelines for acceptable condition of furniture and smaller household items. Items should be clean, currently serviceable and in a gently used condition that you would give to a close neighbor if they were not excess.
9. Do you pickup donations?
We do have limited pickup service available for large essential items in Acton and the surrounding towns of Concord, Carlisle, Westford, Littleton, Boxborough, Maynard, Sudbury and Stow. We request a $25 minimum donation for this service. We also have monthly pickups in Lincoln and Lexington for a minimum donation of $35. Please call 978-635-1710 to schedule a pickup.
10. Why do you ask for a minimum donation for pickups?
We do encourage donors to bring items to us if at all possible. Our volunteers service 300 families per month. We charge no fees to our clients, nor to any agencies which might bring clients to us. We have operating expenses of $290,000 per year, and no state or federal funding. In order to continue to provide services to our clients, we need to at least recoup our operating costs. This covers our costs of gas, maintenance, insurance, repairs, etc. for our vehicles.
11. How does a person in need get referred to HGRM?
If you are in need, or know someone in need of furniture and household goods, you must have a referral from a social agency, state or federal agency, clergy or other service organization so that we may verify your request. If you are not being assisted by any agency or organization or have other questions about receiving goods, please call us at 978-635-1710 ext 3.
12. Do you accept office furniture and equipment?
No, only smaller student type desks are accepted.
13. Will you resell my donation?
The vast majority of our donations go directly to our clients in need. We do sell some items of value such as antiques and collectibles to help raise funds to pay for our operating expenses since this also helps us to serve our client base.
14. Do you take clothing or food?
No, we do not take clothing or food.
15. What is the tax ID number for HGRM?
To help with yearly tax returns, the tax ID# for HGRM is EIN# 04-3468139
16. Does my agency qualify to participate with HGRM?
Please contact us to find out.
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