Swampscott's Big Blue Bargains raises money for charity. They comb through the donations and don't…read moreput out any junk. The hours are limited, but it's worth a trip. I just want to correct what another poster said: Big Blue Bargains is located on Norfolk Ave in Swampscott and the back door of the former Clarke Elementary School (not the Middle School which is on a different street).

I almost want to keep this place all to myself, but I have to share whenever I find a great thrift…read moreshop. I went to Big Blue Bargains today for the first time. They're located on the backside of Swampscott Middle School and the friendly volunteers told me that they've been open for four years. They operate to raise funds for the Swampscott school system. This place is awesome - they have mostly clothes for adults and kiddos, with some small home goods and a smattering of other random items. I got some great stuff and all on the cheap - 2 pair of pants, 2 workout tops, a pair of boots, a backpack, and a couple small decorative items, all for about $20. I'll be visiting this store again, and I hope you will, too! Word to the wise, they're only open Wed mornings and Saturdays until 1 and they seem to be cash only (tho I didn't verify this).

The various art shows are wonderful and the classes are great. There's even a Gallery Gift shop…read morethat's open during the shows with handmade items like stained glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood and more. Plus there's free parking!

Right now, you can go to the Arts & Crafts Society to get your fix of handmade woodwork, pottery,…read morescarves, shirts, table runners, bottle stoppers, purses, jewelry boxes, vases, decorative plates, spoon rests, earrings, necklaces, watercolor paintings, and... I think that's about it. This month, the members have exhibited their wares - and everything's available for a very fair price. Perfect for getting that little "New England gift" for a family member. The staff is really friendly and talkative, asking lots of questions and giving you advice on how to make your own homemade things. Also, classes are available in everything from jewelry making to ceramics (hand building AND wheel throwing!), woodworking to knitting. Very nice, and perfect for those with too much energy.

They also have a pretty big used book section. They have a person you can contact to set up…read moredelivery, I don't know the prices. The furniture varies on prices and some are pretty good condition, some are banged up or missing a chair ( table sets) but overall I think it's worthwhile to shop or donate there.

This is used to be such a fun place to shop, but when I was there recently the two bro-dudes behind…read morethe counter were too busy scrolling on their phones or making snide comments at the customers' expense to be of much help. There was one young woman on the floor who was working, and the folks around back at the dock were available to help us load things. But the behavior or the bro-dudes at the front was so off-putting that not only do I not want to go back now, I really can't recommend this location to anyone. As for value, only bother to go if you can afford to haul off the big ticket items on your own. This store contracts with a delivery service -- a man of one -- who is expensive and no so easy. His delivery fee alone makes "what a deal!" less of a steal. I really miss the Habitat for Humanity Restore that used to be in Peabody. Everyone who worked there was a gem. And their delivery service was affordable.

More Than Words is a nonprofit bookstore that sells new and used books while supporting young…read morepeople ages 16-24 who are system-involved, including youth from foster care, court-involved backgrounds, housing insecurity, and more. The young people help run the store, learn job skills, and work toward personal and career goals--and it truly shows in the care and pride behind the space. The shop itself is small but mighty. I walked out with four excellent-condition used books (three of which had already been on my TBR list) and somehow also added two cookbooks because... no regrets. Everything was very affordable, and it felt good knowing my purchase was directly supporting youth in the local community. If you're near one of their locations (I believe there's another in the Boston area), I highly recommend stopping in or checking out their online storefront. Great books, great prices, and an even greater mission--absolutely worth supporting.

Great place to shop and support your community. I live that there are brand new housewares at…read morefraction the cost of retail. One can feel good in shopping and supporting a worthwhile cause.

#1 rarely if ever leave reviews…read more #2 This place is perfectly appropriate for what it is. May not be the fastest ever, but I think the attention and the quality of work was exactly as expected. Ive tried other semi local tailors and really dreaded the process. However, this place was a gem. So much in fact Ive decided to empty out my closets and have have all my older stuff re fitted vice donating.

I went to Burlington Tailor shop yesterday as I needed a very fancy blouse w/ ruffles steamed as…read moreour mom was nearing the end of life and I needed this blouse ready "now". The kind tailor stopped what he was doing, and steamed the blouse so it was beautiful. He charged me nothing for his time and expertise. I want to say thank you to him and say, if you need tailoring this man is the real deal. An actual old world tailor with a heart of gold.

I agreed to be a Loader. A Loader, I was told, had to have the ability to lift at least 50-70…read morepounds for three hours. Naturally, I saw this as a challenge, and I accepted. The Greater Boston Food bank employs 14,500 volunteers and provides 19.5 million meals to 320,000 people in New England annually, not just Boston. Volunteers allow the GBFB to defer nearly $600,000 in payroll costs. Wow. Volunteers help in many ways, but mainly by inspecting, sorting and re-packing food at the Roxbury warehouse. Here is what my team accomplished in an afternoon shift: . Number of volunteers: 43 . Total pounds of food sorted: 10,412 (Ten Thousand Pounds!) . Total pounds of food salvaged: 8,330 . Pounds of food sorted per volunteer: 194 . Meals made possible per volunteer: 149 . Total meals made possible by NAIOP volunteers: 6,407 There are many ways to help. You can donate money. You can donate food. You can volunteer for a less physically demanding job. Just do something.

If you're looking for a place to volunteer, this is it. Good for singles or groups. Call ahead,…read moresign in, get ready to sort. Huge new clean place used to sort donated food. It's awesome. You get a rundown on food safety, what to look for, how the process works, then you're off to the main room to sort. It's actually kinda fun. And the facility is nice and new so it's definitely safe and good. Bonus - they feed you expired candy and crap after you're done! Yay!?

Wedding dress tailoring…read more My wedding gown arrived over a month late from the company, and I was terrified that no tailor would take me. Le Grand Chic was able to accommodate me easily, and did wonders with my gown in only a little over a month. They had to take in the bust a lot, with intricate appliqués, and hem the gown and add quite a few bustles. The result was gorgeous and the cost was far more affordable than other alterations businesses in the area. Le Grand Chic is the real deal, and they are in high demand! I will be back for other garments.

Le Grand Chic absolutely saved the day for me. I needed extensive alterations on my bridesmaid…read moredress just two days before the wedding, and I was honestly panicking. Not only did they squeeze me in at the last minute, but they also went above and beyond to make sure everything fit perfectly. A huge shoutout to the owner, Roseanne, who was kind, calm, and so accommodating. She understood the urgency and even made sure my dress was pressed and ready to go, knowing I was in a rush. Her professionalism and care turned what could have been a disaster into a total success. If you're ever in a pinch--or just want high-quality, reliable alterations--Le Grand Chic is the place to go. THANK YOU, Roseanne and team, for your amazing work and for helping me feel confident and comfortable on such a special day!

I stopped by this store for my weekly consecutive Dry and Clean services. The owner seems nice,…read morekind and caring for her customer's satisfaction. Without any doubts, she always expressed in an appropriate for her business communication as well as will make sure any customers' expectation should get resolved quickly.

We have been getting our dry cleaning done here for maybe 7-8 years. The service is consistently…read moregreat and the quality of the clothing is top notch. Their prices are fair. I wish I knew the lady's name who helps us each time but she is lovely -- so friendly and easy to work with. Thank you so much for helping us through all of these years and we will be back many times in the future too :)