Material Assistance
Program
WHO WE ARE:
The AFSC has been carrying out service, development, social justice, and peace programs throughout the world since it was founded in 1917, during World War II.
The Material Assistance Program (MAP) is a humanitarian program run by the AFSC, a non-profit international organization. MAP has been running since 1944, when it was started as a program to collect clothing for refugees during World War II.
MAP has run successfully for many years and has continually expanded. The metropolitan Boston community now actively participates in the program by generously donating materials, time, and funds. In recent years, MAP has transitioned from assisting those in need internationally to focusing on assisting individuals and agencies locally.
WHAT WE DO:
The AFSC Material Assistance Program collects material goods such as bedding, linens, housewares, kitchenware, and small appliances, as well as clothing. Materials are sorted by volunteers to ensure that we only give our recipients serviceable items in excellent condition. Clothing and materials that we cannot currently use are donated to other agencies for use by their clients.
Part of our space is structured to resemble a store. Clients, referred by local agencies, come in by appointment and "shop,” free of charge, for the items they need.
WHERE DONATIONS GO
Donations are distributed locally to shelters, human service agencies and individuals who visit our program from local agencies such as Bread and Jams, Women's Lunch Place, Children Clothing Exchange from Solutions at Work, Hispanic Office for Planning and Evaluation, Home Start, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and many others.
Some of the more valuable donations we receive are sold at our semi annual Tag Sale. All proceeds from the Tag Sales are used to keep the Material Assistance program running.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THE AFSC MATERIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Donate Funds To Support The Program
Because MAP provides a free service to our recipients, funds are always much needed to provide the support necessary to keep the Program’s doors open, and to sustain ongoing Outreach efforts in the community. We accept cash and checks. Tax Deductible checks can be made payable to AFSCNERO MAP and sent to the MAP office at 5 Longfellow Park, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Donate Items You No Longer Use
The program is always in need of material items in order to satisfy the needs of our recipients. Please refer to the MAP wishlist to find out what we currently need most. Donations can be made by bringing them to the MAP office during our hours of operation on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9-12 noon and 1-3. ). We are unable to pick up donations at this time.
Volunteer Your Time:
Volunteer at MAP
MAP depends on a unique and intergenerational group of volunteers, from young people to senior citizens. The range of volunteers includes people who want to lend a helping hand to better their community and former recipients who return to give back to the program that has helped them.
Volunteers sort and display donated items, help keep the space organized, perform clerical tasks, assist with mailings, and assist recipients in choosing their items. The Program benefits from the special talents that Volunteers have to offer. No experience is necessary to become a volunteer; we will train you.
Volunteer at the Semi Annual Tag Sale
Volunteers are also needed to during the two weeks before our sales to sort, price and display items, and post flyers. Not only is it a great cause, it's fun! Extra hands on the Friday and Saturday of the sale are always needed. For upcoming Tag Sale Dates, please consult the Bulletin Board.
Let Us Know About Other Agencies In Need of Our Services
The Program is always looking for other agencies to provide our services to. Please contact the coordinator for further details about becoming a partner agency.
Today in America we live in a society that is in constant motion; we rush from job to job, from activity to activity. It can be hard to remember the people around us who may need help. Finding the time and resources to give back your community is possible! The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Material Assistance Program provides you with the opportunity to serve the local communities of the Boston metropolitan area.
Questions? We are open Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12 noon and 1-3.
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