FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

social worker receiving clothing

  • How can I donate items?

    We accept donations of children’s clothing and baby equipment at the Giving Center: 572 Main Street, West Boxford (01921).

    Our open hours:
    Tuesdays 9:00 – 12 noon
    Wednesdays 9:00 – 12 noon (closed July & August)
    Thursdays 9:00 – 12 noon
    One Saturday per Month 9:00 – 12 noon

  • Do you accept car seats?

    Yes, we accept infant, toddler, and booster seats. They must be less than 5 years old and recently washed. No cars seats that have been in an accident will be accepted.
  • Do you accept used toys?

    We accept excellent condition toys during October only. All toys will be sold at our annual Used Toy Fair to raise funds for our programs.
  • Do you pick up donations?

    We pick up large donations of baby equipment within 10 miles of our facility. Contact us to schedule a pick up.
  • May I have a tax receipt for my donation?

    Yes. Community Giving Tree is a registered non-profit organization. A tax receipt is available at our facility or will be provided when we pick up at your home.
  • How do I host a Care and Share Party?

    Share the joy of your birthday, anniversary, graduation, bat mitzvah or special event by hosting a Care and Share Party. In lieu of gifts, ask your guests to donate special items for kids in need.

    TEACH THE JOY OF GIVING TO YOUR CHILDREN
    Care and Share Birthday kids receive printed thank you notes for their guests and a certificate of appreciation. All participants receive a tour of our facility and their photo will be added to our “wall of fame”.

    Call 978-223-5767 or email info@CommunityGivingTree.org to schedule your party. Let us know when you plan to host your party and we will help you decide on a theme for gifts based on our current needs. After the party, we can set up a time for you to deliver the gifts to our facility in West Boxford and we can give you an overview of what we do and a tour. We have thank you notes that you can use to thank your party guests.

  • How do I receive donations?

    We provide donations to registered non-profit organizations such as schools, social service agencies and public schools located in Essex County, Massachusetts. Once you have registered your agency, we will add your name to our email list and you will receive updates about what items we currently offer, any special items we will be distributing, and our hours.

    Please bring along some identification that confirms you work for a registered non-profit agency in Essex County (name badge is fine) and we will be happy to help you.

  • Can my client come to your facility to pick up items?

    We are unable to have clients or the general public at our facility. Only professionals representing families in need may use our services.
  • How can my scout group volunteer for Community Giving Tree?

    We offer volunteer work for scouts on Weekdays, M-Th after school. We provide a short activity outlining the issues of poverty in our area and then have the group participate in an age-appropriate task. We ask that the group participate in the current drive we are sponsoring by bringing one donation per person. Contact us to set up a time for the volunteer activity.
  • Are there volunteer opportunities for high school students?

    Yes. We offer community service opportunities for students age 13-17 year round. Such opportunities include the following:

    Saturday Collection Days (9am-12pm) – Once each month, help is needed to work with staff to collect and sort donations at our Giving Center in West Boxford. Check website for dates.

    Annual Fundraiser Luncheon – volunteers needed second Thursday in May selling raffles, setting up auction items. During school hours, so available to seniors only.

    Internship for 1 or 2 Seniors in May – Help with donation drives, distribution of donations to social service agencies, annual luncheon, office tasks.

    Zero Waste Day – Spring and Fall on a Saturday – Baby equipment is collected from 9 AM – 12 noon in Andover or Tewksbury. Volunteers are needed 9 AM – 12 noon at the Zero Waste Day and at 1 PM to move donations into the Giving Center in West Boxford..

    Student-Run Collection Drives – Students are needed to run a collection drive with their sports team, church, friends, family, neighborhood, etc.

    School Supplies – August/September
    Disposable Diapers – any month
    Holiday Gifts – December
    Toiletries – any month, but especially March

    Annual Used Toy Fair – Volunteers opportunities are available for individuals and groups of students all week prior to the sale. Contact us at info@communitygivingtree.org to see how you can help.

  • How can my business or organization sponsor a collection?

    Community Giving Tree relies on local businesses, schools, libraries, or places of worship to sponsor collection drives throughout the year. We provide you with the necessary posters, collection boxes, and posts for your newsletters. Your organization will be recognized on our website and any press releases promoting the two week collection. All donations will be picked up by a Community Giving Tree volunteer. Contact us to find out which collection drive is best for your organization.
  • What do you use the funds you raise for?

    Community Giving Tree is a registered non-profit charity. We raise funds through our annual appeal, local foundation grants, the annual toy fair, and the annual luncheon. These funds are used to support our programs, such as the VolunTEEN summer program, the bundles of kindness program, Zero Waste Day, and Coats for Kids, to name a few. Some items we distribute must be new, such as diapers, toiletries, and school supplies. We use designated funds to purchase these items.
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