Big Blue Bargains thrift store is making its first major donation since reopening: $4,000 to the Swampscott Middle School parent teacher organization (PTO).
The donation will help fund alternatives to the eighth-grade Washington, D.C. trip, offering other meaningful options for students unable to attend. Additional funds will support the school’sengineering program.
“This is the first time we have received a donation from BBB,” said Joseph Ford, the president of the PTO. “Hoping to continue this partnership. We are very appreciative of the donation as we rarely get funds outside of our own efforts.”
The engineering program donation comes as longtime teacher Thomas Butler retires and a new instructor updates the curriculum and equipment.
“We committed to fully fund the $10k request from the Engineering program and this gives us a great boost,” Ford said. “BBB’s sole purpose is simply to help people. Same as us. Match made in heaven.”
According to Ford, the donation will help purchase saws, sanders, drills, umber and other materials needed for the classroom.
The 501c3 thrift store has been a part of the Swampscott community since 2012. Over the years, it has supported various local causes, including the Lions Club eyeglasses drive, Swampscott High School life skills classes, the Friends of Swampscott Library, and school sports programs.
Big Blue Bargains is accepting donations of:
- Clean clothing that are not undergarments, socks or adult nightwear
- Gently used household items and decor
- Linens and fabric
- Jewelry or fragile items of value
- Handbags
- New and like new toys, games and puzzles
- Hard and soft cover children’s and teen’s books
- Small rugs
- Small tabletop or desk lamps
- New self care products in original packaging
- New small electrical appliances
- Luggage with wheels
100% of donations made to Big Blue Bargains go directly back into the Swampscott community.
