FAQs
Food Pantry FAQs
What information do I need to bring with me to receive free groceries?
Just bring yourself! Ginny’s Helping Hand follows the Federal Emergency Food Assistance Income Eligibility Guidelines, but we do not require proof of identity, citizenship, residency, or income. As a partner of the Worcester County Food Bank, we will ask you some questions about your household; click here for more information about those questions.
How often may I come to Ginny’s Helping Hand for free groceries?
Clients can pick-up groceries two (2) times each calendar month. Whiteboard and/or Shelf Items are available on other days.
Do I need an appointment to get free groceries at Ginny’s?
No. Simply visit the Food Pantry during our normal hours.
Can you accommodate my food restrictions?
We do our best to accommodate individual needs, but we cannot promise to provide specific groceries on specific days.
May I select my own groceries at Ginny’s?
No. Ginny’s offers pre-bagged groceries based on what is available.
Can someone carry my groceries to my car or taxi?
If you need assistance, please call Ginny’s in advance of your visit to learn if a volunteer will be available to help. Please note that we cannot take appointments.
How can I help support the Food Pantry at Ginny’s?
Click here for information
What kinds of food donations do you accept?
Click here for information
Thrift Store FAQs
What do you sell at Ginny’s?
New and gently used items, such as:
- Clothing and shoes, for all ages, genders, and seasons
- Jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, handbags, backpacks
- Blankets, sheets, and pillows
- Towels
- Curtains
- Miscellaneous items that change daily
Do you have sales or discounts at Ginny’s?
What kinds of donations do you accept? Do I need an appointment?
We accept clean and new or gently used donations of clothing, shoes, jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, handbags, backpacks, blankets, sheets, pillows, towels and curtains. You do not need an appointment; simply come during our regular hours and bring your donations inside. Do not leave anything outside. If you would like a receipt, please see a member of Team Ginny’s at the front desk.
What is your Exchange Policy?
You may return any item as a donation, but we do not make any refunds.
Do you have a dressing room to try on clothes?
Yes, we have fitting rooms, but we have no mirrors.
General FAQs
What are your hours?
Where should I park when I come to Ginny’s?
Parking is available on both sides of Mechanic Street and a few spaces on Mechanic Street close to Ginny’s front door. Please do not block Ginny’s loading dock.
Is Ginny’s ADA accessible?
Yes! As of April 2022, thanks to the George R. Wallace Foundation, the front door to Ginny’s has an electric lift next to the stairs.
Do you need volunteers at Ginny’s?
Ginny’s Helping Hand operates with a mix of volunteers and paid staff. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
Can I get to Ginny’s using public transportation?
By bus:
Take a MART bus to Monument Square in downtown Leominster. It is approximately a three-minute walk (2 blocks) to Ginny’s Helping Hand at 52 Mechanic Street.
By Commuter Rail:
Use the North Leominster Train Station and take the MART Bus to Monument Square in downtown Leominster. It is approximately a three-minute walk (2 blocks) to Ginny’s Helping Hand at 52 Mechanic Street.