Community Corner

Furnish Your Dorm, Apartment By Shopping at United Way Warehouse

The United Way of Tri-County's warehouse is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays and is a great way for university students to outfit their dorms and apartments inexpensively.

Did you know the United Way of Tri-County has a distribution services warehouse full of household items and paint you can purchase?

Most days the warehouse is only open to those in need and non-profit organizations, but on Thursdays and Fridays the general public is allowed to shop at the 28 Bishop St. warehouse.

Beginning this weekend, students will begin moving into dorms on campus and off-campus apartments in preparation for classes at Framingham State University. Many of the items in the warehouse are perfect for university students looking for inexpensive ways to outfit their dorm rooms and apartments.

The warehouse is full of useful items donated by many local retail vendors and companies, who wish to donate new and gently-used items including, small kitchen appliances, furniture, bedding, and other essentials, at an already reduced manufacturer’s price, up to 85 percent off. 

Comforters that retail for upwards of $100 can be purchased starting at $30.

The public pays a higher fee than non-profit members, but still at a substantial price reduction.

For example, and Isontonic 2-inch mattress topper that retailed for about $200 at a major retailer, the public can purchase at $70. It would be $35 for non-profit members.

College students, who plan to live in off-campus apartments, can find useful home items such as bath mats, kitchen utensils, frying pans, metal trash containers, shower curtains, drapes, rugs and a modest selection of gently used furniture. 

The metal trash containers have small dents, thus why they were donated to the warehouse.

Many of the small kitchen appliances and pots and pans are without boxes and sans instructions. (Editor's Note: Many appliance manufacturers now post instructions online.) Some items have small dents.

But there are bargains. On Wednesday, I saw a mini donut maker, that retails for $19.99 available for $7.50. There was a coffee urn for parties priced under $10.

There are also bath and hand towels, mops, sponges, photo frames, etc available.

Retailers don't like to put towels, comforters, sheets, etc back on shelves when customers return them; so they are donated to the warehouse.

Recently, a major hardware chain donated thousands of gallons of paint and the machine to mix paint, after it bought out several hardware stores, said United Way Distribution Services Director Don Mattise. "We can mix color for customers."

The warehouse is open to the public on Thursdays from 1 to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. 

Payment accepted is cash or credit card. Checks are not accepted. 

All purchases support the United Way of Tri-County’s social service programs. 

United Way Distribution Services, was located in Westborough, until earlier this year, when it moved to the Bishop Street location.

United Way Distribution Services, a direct service of the United Way of Tri-County, was established to help community-based organizations respond to tough economic times. By saving 85 percent off the original retail cost of items that people need, the organization is able to stretch budgets even further.

Any 501cs non-profit or faith-based organization can join for a minimal membership fee. If you have questions contact Mattise at don.mattise@uwotc.org


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