This year, I had the good fortune to marry for the first time – at age 60+. As you can imagine, I had amassed a lot of “goods” during the single years of my life and, when the wedding presents started pouring in, I had much pruning to do.

A friend told me she had heard of a non-profit that took donations of home goods and gave them gratis to people who were starting afresh after being homeless or beset by fire or other catastrophe. She couldn’t remember the name, but I Googled and found Household Goods.

Your website is remarkably straightforward and easy to follow. I collected all my donations and packed them into the same boxes used to transport the wedding gifts. Ultimately, I packed up at least 20 boxes full of pots and pans, dishes, casseroles, vases, dishtowels, etc.

My husband and I drove to Acton and found your remarkably efficient donation center. We barely had to open the car door before a swarm of volunteers was helping us unload while another volunteer filled out the donation receipt. We drove away and felt lighter, of course, but also satisfied because Household Goods seemed not only worthy in its mission but well-run.

In the months afterward, I worried because we heard nothing more from Household Goods. I hoped I would be on record as a donor so I was relieved to get your fundraising letter in December addressing me as such. I was also happy to read of Ira and Barbara Smith in the Globe MetroWest.

My husband, Ben, and I are happy to give to Household Goods, which seems like an unusually meaningful non-profit. I have also been spreading the word to friends and colleagues about the efficacy of your organization.

May Household Goods, as well as its clients and volunteers, thrive in the New Year.

Best,

Monica Collins