Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

What are your hours?

Click to see our normal hours.

Where should I park when I come to Ginny’s?

There are free parking lots 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, since that slows deliveries.

Is Ginny’s ADA accessible?

Yes! As of April 2022, the front door to Ginny’s has an electric lift next to the stairs.

Are there restrooms?

No

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?

Yes.
By bus:
Take a MART bus to Monument Square in downtown Leominster and walk ~3 minutes (2 blocks) to Ginny’s at 52 Mechanic Street.

By Commuter Rail:
Get off at the North Leominster Train Station and…
take the MART Bus to Monument Square and walk ~3 minutes to Ginny’s, or…
walk/bike 1.7miles to Ginny’s

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 any proof of identity, 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?

For Pantry Pick-Ups, you may come 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 come during our normal hours.

Can you accommodate my food restrictions?

Maybe, sometimes. We do our best to accommodate individual needs but we can not 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?

Maybe, sometimes. If you need assistance please call in advance to see if a volunteer will be available that day. Please note that we can not 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 & gently-used:

  • Clothing and shoes, for all ages, genders, and seasons
  • Jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, handbags, backpacks
  • Blankets, sheets, and pillows
  • Towels
  • Curtains
  • Miscellaneous surprise items that change daily, some shop here frequently!

Do you have sales or discounts at Ginny’s?

Sometimes! To get the latest scoop, follow us on Facebook @GinnysHelpingHandInc

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 normal hours and bring your donations inside. Do not leave anything outside. Ask at the desk if you would like a receipt.

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?

No.