AB Exchange
The AB Resource Center / AB Exchange is closed July 22-26. It is open all other weeks Mon-Thu 10am-3pm.
Come visit our new expanded AB Exchange!
What is AB Exchange?
AB Exchange is a space in the AB Resource Center where Acton and Boxborough residents can access essential items they need to thrive. Gently used clothing, backpacks, seasonal clothing, shoes and more are available thanks to the generosity of our neighbors. Stop by during AB Resource Center's opening hours to "shop" for what you need. All items are free to families who need them.
If you can't come to the AB Resource Center but need items dropped off at the school (eg for school staff), you can fill in this form.
Donations - What we Need
Now Accepting the only following in-season (please no winter clothing now) new & consignment-quality gently used items (please ensure they are recently washed):
Ask yourself: Would I give this to a friend? (If not, please put in the Baystate Textile Bin next to the ABRC donation bin.)
pants hangers with clips and kids size hangers (no other hangers)
Backpacks and lunchboxes
Men's shorts, Maternity wear
NEW socks (especially kids) and underwear
umbrellas
Shopping Bags (reusable or large handled sturdy paper bags)
NEW personal care items
Deodorant
suntan lotion and bug spray
Acton's Minuteman Inn Shelter Specific Needs:
Pediasure
Similac (regular) and Similac Sensitive (please bubblewrap if you drop off in the donation bin!)
diapers size size 2 and up (opened packages are ok)
swim diapers all sizes
baby wipes
sunscreen
body wash, hand soap
liquid laundry detergent
culturally appropriate hair products and lotion (eg Shea moisture or Mielle shampoo & conditioner, Palmer’s cocoa butter)
water machine (to filter tap water)
bike helmets (child) , bike locks and bike/tire repair kits.
summer game activities (jump rope, chalk etc). (NO kiddie pools/sprinklers)
Material for activity kits on our Amazon Wish List (The Discovery Museum will put the kits together for the shelter)
(volunteering) Looking for volunteers to create and run playtime activities for children at the Acton shelter - info here.
Drop off at AB Resource Center (15 Charter Road, Acton - see map below) Mon-Thur 10AM-3PM, or anytime at the big grey bin with AB Resource Center logo (the white bin with AB school logo is only for recycling) located outside the Administration Building (in front of the gym wall at the circle). Please make sure any items in the bin are in closed bags.
You can also order from our Amazon Wish List (covers both the general Acton / Boxborough community as well as the Acton shelter needs)
Directions
The AB Resource Center is located in the school's Admin Building, at 15 Charter Road, Acton MA 01720. We are behind the big glass wall in front of the entrance. You can also take the free CAT bus, stop at the old Kmart - find info here and schedule here (the CAT bus stops at the Kmart parking at 1:40pm, 2:35pm and 3:40pm)
The donation bin is the big grey metal bin with AB Resource Center logo at the circle at the Admin Building against the wall of the gym. The white donation bin with AB Schools logo is for clothing and shoes for recycling / donation to other countries - you can put in anything that the AB Resource Center doesn't need (lower quality / items not on the list above).