Who we are
ABC Clothing Shop is a volunteer and board-run venture. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Williams College, as well as its students who are some of our best customers. ABC provides the community with grants-by-application, supporting charitable causes that contribute to the well-being of our neighbors. And of course, both locals and visitors alike enjoy shopping our ever-changing “wardrobe.”
Today’s shop grew out of the “A Better Chance” program which was a national organization founded in 1964 in response to racial segregation. A Better Chance was to an educational program that provided scholarships for low-income students to attend more nurturing and rigorous schools in the Northeast.
Williamstown’s A Better Chance program was established in 1968 and funded by various sources over the years. In 1994 Williamstown community members organized a clothing sale to support the local A Better Chance program. This annual sale became a mainstay in the region, serving those in need of clothing, and providing major funding for the A Better Chance students.
Williamstown’s A Better Chance program disbanded in 2015, but community members opted to continue the clothing sale fundraiser, renaming it A Better Community and donating all proceeds to local charities. In 2020, the pandemic put an end to the annual clothing sale, but thanks to a generous local merchant, the new A Better Community began holding Saturday pop-ups on Spring Street to great success.
The success of the pop-ups inspired ABC volunteers to approach Williams College about occupying one of their storefronts. Knowing the group’s mission benefited both the community and its resident students, the college generously agreed.
ABC moved to its current location at 30 Spring Street in early 2024 and formalized the grant process, establishing two annual granting cycles, one in March and the other in October.
Follow us on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM. Visit our boutique at 30 Spring Street in Williamstown, MA. DONATE your gently used clothing and accessories during our business hours. EMAIL us with your questions. Visit our GIVING page if you’d like to apply for a grant.