It’s so much easier for me to declutter and donate when I have a specific person or organization in mind that would benefit from my unused items. My friend Clare had posted that the ladies auxiliary of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 7389 in Westminster was hosting a yard sale as part of Westminster’s town wide yard sale, to benefit their initiatives – – which supports veterans. That’s speaking my language, so I asked Clare what types of items they were looking for and how I could help.
Clare explained that there are two Pink Flamingo donation bins in the Westminster VFW field parking lot. Items donated into those boxes are sold at a local thrift shop, with a financial benefit to the Ladies Auxiliary, to further their efforts to help veterans. I decided to do a little Q&A with the ladies at the Ladies Auxiliary and then go through my closet. It’s sooo much easier to do when you know you’re helping people!
Is the Ladies Auxiliary a non-profit organization and how is it connected to the VFW?
We are non-profit, and the Ladies Auxiliary falls under the AMVETS, which is part of the VFW.
Who are your typical members — do they all have a connection to veterans?
To be a member you must have a family member that served in the military or be appointed as an honorary member by a Ladies Auxiliary member.
Where and when can people donate items to benefit your cause?
Donations can be left in the Pink Flamingo drop-off bins in the parking lot of the Westminster VFW at any time. There are two bins specific to the Ladies Auxiliary, both at the Westminster VFW. Look for the VFW field dirt driveway between 84 and 88 Main Street in Westminster.
Periodically through the year the Auxiliary also runs fundraising drives — collecting items like gloves, hats, and socks for veterans — announced via the VFW’s page and other social channels, as well as flyers posted at the Westminster VFW.
What happens to items once they’re dropped off?
Clothing goes into the pink bins. Hard goods are kept inside the building, until they are picked up.
Where do the items go, and how does that benefit the Ladies Auxiliary?
The items go to Mass Value, a family-run thrift store, located at 300 Hamilton Street in Leominster. It’s not just a thrift store, it’s a store that’s run from the heart. Dan and his brother run it, with help from their wives and parents. Visit their socials or reach out to them by email at pinkflamingorecycling@gmail.com for more information.
Does Mass Value give back to the community beyond the bin proceeds?
Yes — they support many local youth sports leagues, and make a generous monthly donation to the Gardner Diaper Pantry. They purchase large quantities of diapers and wipes that fill their box truck each month, which they deliver to the pantry.
How did the Ladies Auxiliary’s partnership with Mass Value get started?
One of our members was familiar with the Mass Value Thrift Store and the Pink Flamingo bins and inquired about the Ladies Auxiliary participating.
What type of items are accepted (and what are not!)?
Mass Value accepts virtually everything with a few exceptions. They accept and resell clothing, shoes, hats, bags, bras, swimsuits, home goods, kitchenware, linens/bedding, toys, stuffed animals, books, movies (DVDs/VHS), CDs, and collectibles. What items are not accepted? Mattresses, rugs/carpets, large furniture, pet supplies/beds, food, baby seats, auto supplies, and trash are not accepted.
How does the Ladies Auxiliary benefit from this initiative?
Donations are picked up monthly and the Ladies Auxiliary receives $0.10 per pound of donations left in the Pink Flamingo bins, and your donations help this add up! The type of item (clothing vs. bedding vs. household goods) doesn’t affect the payout—payment is made strictly on the weight of the bin.
How would someone go about making a financial donation to the Ladies Auxiliary?
A donation can be made directly via check written to Amvets Post 2012 Ladies Auxiliary, which can be left at the VFW or mailed to: Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 2012, VFW Post 7389, PO Box 388, Westminster, MA 01473.
What do you do with the proceeds?
The Auxiliary makes monetary and material donations to local veterans groups. At Christmas, the Auxiliary gives monetary donations to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in Gardner and Veterans Inc. in Worcester, and awards scholarships to graduating seniors at local high schools (Monty Tech and Oakmont). In 2026, two $500 scholarships were awarded at each school, for a total of $2,000.
How much of an impact has this initiative had?
The Auxiliary has made donations since its founding in 2012. It previously gave to additional veterans groups as well, but has scaled back from some that no longer accept material goods. The Pink Flamingo collection bins help keep perfectly good items out of the landfills, people throughout Central MA benefit from the availability of affordable clothing and household goods when they shop at Mass Value AND the Ladies Auxiliary receives money to further our initiatives–it’s a win-win-win.
