We will be happy to help you with any request by email: info@fordonate.com
Over the last five years, we’ve helped over 100,000 North Georgians create new lives for themselves and their families
How? We use dollars generated through our stores and monetary donations to operate 14 career centers that provide free job training and placement programs. Our donors, shoppers, and partners make this all possible. Join us in helping support local job seekers improve their lives.
A native of Fulton County, Veronica Lightburn graduated from Arabian Mountain High School and began her college studies at Oglethorpe University. Unfortunately, rising tuition costs prevented Veronica from completing her degree, and she began bouncing around in call center and other customer service roles. During this time, she became more interested in technology and had thought about learning to code, although the idea terrified her.
We work with over 5,000 employers to connect job seekers, like you, with jobs in industries such as healthcare, transportation, logistics, technology and more. Through our career centers we can give you the edge to not just find any job, but one that offers sustainable, working to middle class wages.
Stan Nesby is an older worker who is adamant about immersing himself in his community and surrounding himself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world. Proud of the work he has done and the support he received along the way, he talks excitedly about now being able to help others.
As Stephen contemplates his next career move, he reflected on his time at Goodwill with fondness – realizing just how impactful Goodwill has been on his life. “It opened my eyes to a lot of things,” Stephen said. His journey to Goodwill began in high school when a teacher recognized Stephen’s interest in aviation and the ability Evergreen Goodwill’s Youth Aerospace Program could have in transforming a passion for flying and travel into a potential career.
Since August 2021, one such older worker named March has been helping visitors of the Warsaw Career Center discover career opportunities and resources. Beyond connecting participants to employment opportunities, she often finds herself lending a listening ear — something she recalls was offered to her during her time in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) through Goodwill Industries of Michiana.
Morning-Glory’s senior year of high school was cut short due to the pandemic. Unsure of what to do next, a family member referred her to Goodwill Hawaii for help and Morning met with program coordinator Siniva to learn more about their services. Within a few days, she was able to start a job at Burger King, but eventually she reached out to Siniva and told her that she wanted to do something more.
Sandra Campbell, came to Goodwill Industries of Kentucky (Louisville) seeking employment opportunities. Sandra was born with a disability, and she both lives with and supports her aging mother. Sandra has been successful helping her mother live independently by maintaining the basic chores of their home and maintaining a structured environment. Over time, however, Sandra has continued to strive for her own independence and financial stability and found she needed assistance to earn employment.
Calvin worked throughout the pandemic as an Office Assistant with MedQUEST, the State of Hawaii's medical coverage program for low-income adults and families, however, his wife lost employment due to COVID-19. During this time, their infant son required regular medical check-ups which was a concern especially during the first year of COVID-19. Because of this, Calvin set a personal goal to complete his Google IT Certificate in order to gain more flexible, well-paid and remote work in the IT field.
Recently named Goodwill Achiever of the Year, Michael Blanton is a testament of hope to those looking to overcome obstacles and recreate their lives. When he was released from prison with no place to go and no money, Michael had a long road ahead of him.
From the minister who hired individuals to mend, and repair used goods, to the servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedom, democracy, rights, and privileges of our great country, these individuals are an integral part to a community’s ability to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Within this group, is Kevin Ricksy.
In May 2021, Carmela Allen found herself out of work and out of hope after the impact of her alcohol use led to a second touchpoint with jail and the loss of her Social Security Disability benefits. She didn’t have enough money to pay the bills and lacked the self-esteem she needed to find work in a new field. Everything had changed since she left her role as a nurse several years earlier.
Growing up, Diondre Ouzts says he was never motivated or inspired by learning. For him, school was always more about sports and socializing than academics. By the time he made it to high school, his athletic talents were his primary reason for attending. Several setbacks and mistakes caused him to become academically ineligible to play high school football. Feeling defeated and disappointed in his fate, Diondre ultimately decided to drop out of school and never imagined he would obtain his high school diploma.
Whether you are a community member, a caseworker, or a client, all who enter the SC Works Greenville center are greeted by the enthusiastic voice of Ms. Tonya Alvarez. Since January 2021, Alvarez has helped to create a positive and memorable experience for SC Works’ visitors. Beyond connecting guests to appropriate staff, she often finds herself problem solving with clients. Given her previous experience as a law enforcement professional, Alvarez states that, “managing challenging incidents and problem solving with clients, is two of the many job duties [she] enjoys.”
Goodwill® is here to help. In addition to providing in-person services, local Goodwill headquarters may provide online training, live virtual classes, and virtual career development services by phone or video conference, all at no cost to you. Connecting people with opportunity and paychecks has been Goodwill’s mission for 120 years, and we are grateful to serve individuals across United States and Canada.
Discover opportunities near you to make a difference by supporting Goodwill’s mission and business! Available job opportunities range from positions at retail centers, specialty stores, donation centers, job and career centers to those at the local Goodwill’s headquarters and Goodwill Industries International.
Need room for new furniture? More space for a new television or computer? A place to unload clothes you haven’t worn in years, or toys the kids have outgrown? If so, bring them to Goodwill of North Georgia’s Ponce de Leon Donation Center in Atlanta (30308). You’ll get rid of some clutter and support our mission to put people to work. The Goodwill Ponce de Leon Donation Center accepts gently used clothing, books, furniture, computers, and all kinds of other household items. Proceeds from your generous donations helps us generate the revenue to fulfill our mission. We look forward to seeing you soon at the Goodwill Ponce de Leon Donation Center.
No matter what your favorite day to shop is, we’ve got you covered. The Goodwill of North Georgia West End Thrift Store in Atlanta (30310) is open seven days a week. Our staff restocks items on the racks and shelves throughout the day, and merchandise on the entire sales floor is refreshed every 21 days. Come visit our Atlanta West End Store for the thrill of a thrifting treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.
Need room for new furniture? More space for a new television or computer? A place to unload clothes you haven’t worn in years, or toys the kids have outgrown? If so, bring them to Goodwill of North Georgia’s West End Donation Center in Atlanta (30310). You’ll get rid of some clutter and support our mission to put people to work. The Goodwill West End Donation Center accepts gently used clothing, books, furniture, computers, and all kinds of other household items. Proceeds from your generous donations helps us generate the revenue to fulfill our mission.
No matter what your favorite day to shop is, we’ve got you covered. The Goodwill of North Georgia Northside Drive Thrift Store in Atlanta (30318) is open seven days a week. Our staff restocks items on the racks and shelves throughout the day, and merchandise on the entire sales floor is refreshed every 21 days. Come visit our Atlanta Northside Drive Store for the thrill of a thrifting treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.
Need room for new furniture? More space for a new television or computer? A place to unload clothes you haven’t worn in years, or toys the kids have outgrown? If so, bring them to Goodwill of North Georgia’s Northside Drive Donation Center in Atlanta (30318). You’ll get rid of some clutter and support our mission to put people to work. The Goodwill Northside Drive Donation Center accepts gently used clothing, books, furniture, computers, and all kinds of other household items. Proceeds from your generous donations helps us generate the revenue to fulfill our mission.
The following donations centers are open and accepting donations. Furniture donations are accepted at most locations. See listing below for which locations are accepting furniture. To donate, simply pull up to our donation center and one of our donation attendants will gladly assist in removing your items from your vehicle. Please observe all traffic laws in and around our donation centers.
Brief unplanned closures may occur during normal hours due to capacity and high-demand. Don’t leave your items at centers when closed. These items will likely be wasted and lose the opportunity to be turned into help for people in our community.
College Hunks
Your financial gift goes a long way to change lives. As a matter of fact, more than 92 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs and services in Orange County that help people facing barriers get and keep jobs. Consider making a difference today. Donate today.
The Marketplace is our auction house and outlet shopping destination, also nicknamed locally “the bins.” Here you can shop for clothing by-the-pound and participate in live auctions of housewares, clothing and more.
You don’t want to skip this hidden gem located at 2722 W. Fifth St. in Santa Ana.
Goodwill of Orange County has been accredited by CARF for 10 of its Community Integration, Employment Development Services, Organizational Employment Services and Community Employment Services programs.
You want more from your work; you want a sense of fulfillment. You want a career with opportunities, not just a job. You want Goodwill where the power of work can transform your life and the lives of others.
In fiscal year 2018, Goodwill organizations generated a total of $6.1 billion in revenue, of which $5.27 billion was spent on charitable services, and $646 million was spent on salaries and other operating expenses. Services constituted 89 percent of expenses.[8] In 2015, the group served more than 37 million people, with more than 312,000 people placed into employment.[9]
Today, Goodwill has become an international nonprofit organization that takes in more than $4.8 billion in annual revenue and provides more than 300,000 people with job training and community services each year.[13]
The revenues fund job training and other services to prepare people for job success. Examples of Goodwill's presence on eBay are Goodwill Industries of Maine, Seattle, San Francisco, and many other locations. Goodwill locations that operate on eBay research donated items for higher profit than could be brought in-store, and instead list those items on eBay for auction.
In 2010, through their involvement in Goodwill's programs, more than 170,000 people were placed into employment. They earned $2.7 billion in salaries and wages, and as tax-paying citizens, they contributed to the community. This amounts to an average annual earning of less than $16,000.[19] Goodwill also generates income to help businesses and the federal government fill gaps caused by labor shortages, time constraints, and limited space or equipment. Local Goodwill branches train and employ contract workers to fill outsourced needs for document management, assembly, mailing, custodial work, grounds keeping and more. Goodwill claims that more than 84 percent of its total revenue is used to fund education and career services and other critical community programs.[13] Also in 2010, Goodwill provided people with training careers in industries such as banking, IT and health care, as well as offering English-language training, education, transportation, and child care services.[19]
When merchandise cannot be sold at a normal Goodwill store, it is taken to a "Goodwill Outlet" or "Bargain Store" where items are mostly sold by weight, with prices ranging from $0.49 to $1.69 per pound, depending on the location. The wide selection and massive discounts on a variety of household goods typically attract a fervent following of regular customers, some of whom make a full-time living buying and re-selling goods. There are also many vendors who buy this merchandise in bulk, and they send the merchandise to third-world countries.
In May 2022, Goodwill Industries International’s announced a $14 million investment in their Digital Career Accelerator. The donation made by Google.org of $7 million in direct grants and $7 million in search ads on Google aims to reach more than 2,000,000 people across the U.S and Canada though infrastructure expansion to aid the development of digital skills and career training.[23]
In 2010, Goodwill launched the Donate Movement to demonstrate the value that donated goods have for people and the planet. Goodwill's vision for the Donate icon is a universal reminder to 'recycle' through responsible donation, helping provide opportunities for others while diverting usable items from landfills.[26]
On the occasion of its 100th anniversary in 2002, Goodwill Industries launched an international workforce development initiative designed to integrate 20 million people into the workplace by the year 2020.
Known as the Goodwill Industries 21st Century Initiative, the plan includes broad strategies for getting people into good jobs that enable them to become self-sufficient. These strategies include providing job and technology training for a 21st-century workforce, offering family strengthening services to support workers and their families, and developing business opportunities to employ individuals who were previously considered unemployable.[27]
GoodProspects is an online program of Goodwill where people exploring career options can get advice from people who have worked in the field in which they are interested. Career mentors advising users are online volunteers. GoodProspects was launched in the Fall of 2011, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. It is currently supported by Accenture and SafeLink Wireless.[30] [31]
Goodwill will generally accept donations of clothing, shoes, books, accessories (handbags, belts), dishes, furniture in good condition, household decorations, small appliances including vacuum cleaners, and consumer electronics including alarm clocks. Even if they are deemed unfit to be sold in a store, these items can be sold as bulk lots, and so they can still generate income.[33]
A 2013 article on Watchdog.org reported that Goodwill's tax returns showed that more than 100 Goodwills pay less than minimum wage while simultaneously paying more than $53.7 million in total compensation to top executives.[37] Douglas Barr, former CEO of the Goodwill of Southern California, was the highest paid Goodwill executive in the country.[38] He received total compensation worth $1,188,733, including a base salary of $350,200, bonuses worth $87,550, retirement benefits of $71,050, and $637,864 in deferred compensation, after serving as CEO for 17 years. This is often incorrectly cited as his salary[37] "In 2011, the Columbia Willamette Goodwill, one of the largest in the country, says it paid $922,444 in commensurate wages to approximately 250 people with developmental disabilities. These employees worked 159,584 hours for an average hourly wage of $5.78. The lowest paid worker received just $1.40 per hour."[37]
In 2018, CEO Rich Cantz of Goodwill Northern New England (NNE) put out a video statement addressing the false "Think Before You Donate" rumors that alleged owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year from the organization, and no money was going to charity.[39] In the statement, he says that Goodwill NNE does, in fact, give to charities and works to provide resources for brain injury rehabilitation centers, those with disabilities, and veterans seeking work. Further, the website states that "Mark Curran" is neither the owner nor CEO. As of 2020, Steven Preston is the CEO of Goodwill Industries International and has to report to a volunteer board of directors.[40] In 2020, the stores in New England was still running a voiceover during shopping hours that reiterated this message to shoppers. The claims appeared in a longer email covering several for-profit and non-profit organizations, which was also debunked by Snopes.[41]