By: Molly Pietrantonio
We’ve heard your questions, and we’re so grateful you’re asking them!!
The Abby’s House Thrift Shop is a vital part of how we support women and children in our community, but there have been some understandable misconceptions about how it works and who it serves. We wanted to take the time to clearly explain the role of the Thrift Shop in terms of the greater impact it has on fueling Abby’s House programs.
Below, we answer the most common questions we’ve received lately! But please let us know if you have more!
Q: Do donated clothes go directly to the women at Abby’s House?
A: Some do, but not all, and that’s actually by design.
A lot of the items people donate really do go straight to the women we serve. Residents can come in and shop for clothing or household items and choose what they like and what fits their needs. It’s important to us that women have that same sense of dignity and choice you’d have in any store.
Sometimes donations meet a need right away. Like if someone’s preparing for a job interview or has an important appointment coming up, our team can help make sure she finds something that helps her feel comfortable and confident.
Anything that isn’t distributed through those programs is sold in our public Thrift Shop, which is open to everyone. The money raised through the shop helps support the housing and services Abby’s House provides.
It’s a model that lets donations help people right away while also helping sustain the work long term.
Q: Who can shop at the Thrift Shop?
A: Everyone!!!!
The Abby’s House Thrift Shop is a public, community-facing store. Anyone is welcome to shop, whether they’re looking for fashionable yet affordable basics, unique finds, a way to give back while shopping sustainably, and even if they are just plain thrifty for lack of a better term. New items hit the floor every day. That’s why some shoppers pop in more than once a week… you never know what you’ll find.
When the broader community shops with us, they help ensure Abby’s House can continue serving women and children who need support.
Q: Why do you partner with influencers or feature the shop online?
A: Visibility helps our mission.
When people share the Thrift Shop, whether through social media, word of mouth, or community partnerships, someone standing on a street corner talking about how wonderful it is here, it helps increase awareness and awareness=funding for our programs.
So that means influencer visits, media features, and online promotion in harmony are simply modern ways to invite the community in and ensure the Thrift Shop remains a strong, sustainable resource. So just like the founders used to hand out fliers for the yard sale back when Abby’s was first starting, it’s essentially doing the same.
Q: How exactly does my purchase make a difference?
Every item you buy at the Thrift Shop helps fuel Abby’s House programs. For example, our recent bag sale was a huge success! Hundreds of bags of clothing and household items sold! The funds raised from just this one event helped provide:
- Safe shelter for women and children for several weeks
- Meals and groceries for families experiencing food insecurity
- Access to mental health and wellness support
- Resources for long-term stability and advocacy
And behind the scenes, our volunteers are the true heroes. They’re behind the scenes sorting donations and organizing sales all while welcoming every shopper with a smile. Every purchase and every hour of volunteer work turns donations into real impact for women and children in our community. Simply put, shopping or volunteering at the Thrift Shop DIRECTLY CHANGES LIVES!
Q: What items can I donate?
A: We gratefully accept gently used, clean items in good condition.
We accept:
• Clothing and shoes
• Accessories
• Small household items
• Books and toys
We cannot accept:
• Large furniture or appliances
• Broken items
• Hazardous materials
Q: Where is the Thrift Shop located and when is it open?
A: Location:
52 High Street
Worcester, MA 01609
Store Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Donation Drop-Off Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Drop-Off Instructions:
Our Donation Center Drop Off is located at the rear and to the left of our building at 52 High Street, Worcester MA 01609. While it’s not very glamorous, look for the dumpsters and the bright yellow donations door will be to your left. Ring the doorbell and we’ll be out to assist you! Thrift Shop donations are tax deductible, and a donations receipt can be provided.
Q: How else can I get involved?
A: There are many ways to support Abby’s House beyond shopping.
- Volunteer with the Thrift Shop team
- Donate financially
- Share our mission with your network
- Oh! And attend or sponsor our 50th Anniversary Gala on May 29, 2026!
Thank you for being part of our community. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Q: One more question… Thrift is closed until Thursday, 3/12? How am I going to survive?!
A: Deep breaths, thrift fans. Our Bag Sale cleared the racks in the best possible way, which means our volunteers are now hard at work restocking with fresh spring finds. We’ll be back Thursday with plenty of new treasures to discover.
About the Author
Molly Pietrantonio is the Volunteer & Thrift Shop Manager at Abby’s House, where she is often one of the first welcoming faces volunteers and shoppers encounter. She brings genuine love for people and community shaped by more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Molly’s passion for service is rooted in creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. In her role at Abby’s House, she works closely with volunteers and the Thrift Shop team to ensure the shop remains a place of connection and purpose both for those who give and those who rely on its support. Connect with Molly today!
About Abby’s House
Abby’s House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, affordable housing, and advocacy services to women and children experiencing homelessness and housing instability. For 50 years, Abby’s House has remained committed to creating safe, supportive environments where women receive resources they need to build self-directed live. Grounded in principles of DEI, accessibility, antiracism, and belonging, our work is guided by a deep commitment to advancing social justice and strengthening our community.
In 2026, Abby’s House proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary honoring five decades of impact while looking ahead to the future of our mission. To mark this milestone, we invite you to join us at our 50th Anniversary Gala, where everyone that has been a part of the Abby’s House story will come together to celebrate what has been accomplished and look forward to what is to come for the women and children we serve. Your participation helps open the door to opportunity. We hope to see you there.
Learn more about our work, attend the gala, or make a difference today.