Above: Rio Medical is seeking to promote multiple collection drives at their facility. (images cropped from flyer and from non-profits’ websites)
A Southborough business is collecting for five wide ranging non-profits. Anyone who drops off qualifying items will be entered into Rio Medical’s monthly drawing for a free facial. [Editor’s Note: Make that six non-profits].*
The drawings take place on the first Friday of the month. (So, if you want a chance for a facial in April, act quickly. But if you miss it, the next chance isn’t too far away.)
According to the flyer, each donation counts as one entry, and there is one entry allowed per category per day. The drives are for: Metrowest Princess Boutique, GotSneakers, Dignity Matters, Fresh Start Furniture, and Project Just Because.
An initiative that includes encouraging recycling/reuse makes sense for Rio’s owner Theresa Frias. After all, she is the Environmental Awareness chair for Marlborough Junior Women’s Club.
Here are more details on each of the drives her business is collecting for:
MetroWest Princess Boutique
Not coincidentally, this drive is run by the Marlborough Jr Women’s Club. You can view Channel 7 news’ coverage of the annual event that took place in March here.
According to Frias, they take collections year round of prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and purses to prepare for the free pre-prom “boutique”. The event supports students who who may not be otherwise able to afford dressing up for prom. (So keep them in mind after this year’s prom!)
GotSneakers
Used sneakers are mailed to the organization “to keep the textiles out of the land fills.” According to Frias, they don’t get much back through the organization’s fundraising incentive, but “by recycling the sneakers we are able to save thousands of gallons of water and prevent CO2 emissions from releasing into our atmosphere.”
Dignity Matters
The organization has multiple initiatives to support pubescent aged girls and women. Rio is specifically helping to collect new or gently used bras for homeless women. The charity’s mission includes supporting “women in regaining self-confidence and dignity”.
Frias notes, “let’s face it. We have all bought a new bra because it’s pretty or says that it is the size we think we are; and then we wear it once and hate it, but can not return it to the store with no tags.”
Fresh Start Furniture
Rio collects small household goods for the organization that distributes them, for free, to people in need. You can find details on what household items the charity takes here.
As is made obvious by the charity’s name, they also collect furniture, but please don’t bring in your tables and sofas to Rio! (You can donate directly to the local organization, but Frias points out that their drop off hours are more limited than her business.)
Project Just Because
This organization also has multiple initiatives. Rio’s collection promoted donation of non-perishable items. I assume that those items support their “Free Grocery Store”, and their collections for the Hopkinton Food Pantry. (They also have a Gluten Free Pantry, so items that fit description would likely be especially appreciated.) [Editor’s Note: They will also accept items listed under the organization’s current needs, which can often includes gently used clothing in addition to new items.]*
To drop off your items at Rio Medical and enter the drawing, head to 54 Central St, in the Fayville section of town. (They also have a location in Hudson.)
You can find more information on the “Medical Aesthetic Clinic” here.
*Updated (12/20/2024 8:55 am): Rio’s owner confirmed this week that they are still holding the collection drives, and still holding the monthly drawings. (For details, follow their Instagram.) They also clarified that they accept any items for Project Just Because that are posted on the non-profit’s current needs list.
Since the original post, they added one more collection:
Pet Supplies
Dog & cat supplies, as well as pee pads and cleaning supplies. Thse mainly go to the animal rescue nonprofit Eddie’s Rescue Ranch. Items they can’t use are donated to Buddy Dog.
