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.
School staff: If you need specific items for a student but can't make it to the Resource Center, please fill in this form.
Now Accepting the only following in-season (please no summer 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.)
Needs:
backpacks
bike helmets (kids, youth, adults)
lunchboxes
NEW mens medium underwear
men's size 3X or 4X
Youth sneakers, especially youth sizes 3 and 4
school supplies (only calculators TI-30xIIs, multisubject spiral notebooks in good condition, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, highlighters, 5 subject-dividing tabs for binder, folders with pockets, thin dry erase markers, Post it Notes). Not office supplies.
NEW personal care items (full size preferred)
Toothpaste (ask your dentist to donate some!)
Deodorant
Shampoo & conditioner
Soap/body wash/ hand soap
Hand Sanitizer
Tissues
culturally appropriate hair products and lotion (eg Shea moisture or Mielle shampoo & conditioner, Palmer’s cocoa butter...)
We do NOT accept used toys or household goods (incl linens, towels, bedding, (shower) curtains etc) or large baby items (baby swings, exersaucer..) anymore (see here where to donate things we don't accept).
Drop off 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)
The AB Resource Center is open Monday through Thursday 10am till 3pm. The first Thursday of the month we're open till 7pm.
It is located in the school's Administration Building, at 15 Charter Road, Acton MA 01720. We are behind the big glass wall in front of the entrance.
The Boxborough MART bus ($1/ride) stops right at the AB Resource Center from 8:09am to 6:09pm every hour (see schedule here). It connects with the free Acton CAT bus at Roche Brothers and at the South Acton railway station or within walking distance at the AB Resource Center.
The free Acton CAT bus stops on Mass Ave at the crosswalk across the street from Charter Rd (0.2 miles from AB Resource Center - stop "440 Mass Ave") at 9:55am, 11:55am, 1:45pm, 3:45pm (find info on the CAT here and schedule here ). Or you can use the Stop & Shop stop and walk over (0.4 miles from the AB Resource Center)
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 bins 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 can't use (too low quality or not on the list of things we need).