Story Ideas
Year-End Donations and the Giving Season
Many people look for ways to increase their tax deductions and make room for their holiday gifts at the end of the year. Goodwill usually has long lines of people donating during this time so they can get their last-minute tax deductions. Contact your local Goodwill to see what it will and will not accept as donations.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal program for people who make less than $38,000 per year. Those individuals can claim tax refunds up to $4,716. Often, this money goes unclaimed because workers are unaware that they qualify for the federal tax credit. Last year, Goodwill Industries helped families claim more than $10 million in tax refunds, and we are spearheading the initiative again this year. Community Goodwills support this effort either at their agencies or by participating in a coalition of nonprofits sponsoring free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
The Goodwill Sale with Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
Goodwill agencies partner with The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. to hold The Goodwill Semi-Annual Sale from September 16 – 29. This popular retail trade-in promotion is a successful collaboration between Goodwill Industries and The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Consumers who donate clean, gently used clothing and home textiles at Bon-Ton locations (nameplates include Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s, Parisian and Younkers) will receive a coupon for every item donated. The coupon is good at Bon-Ton stores for 20 percent off on apparel, shoes and accessories, and 15 percent off on cosmetics, fragrances and home store merchandise. By donating and shopping at Goodwill, people are investing in their communities and helping people find jobs, earn paychecks, and support themselves and their families.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated during the month of October. People with disabilities have much higher rates of unemployment than people without disabilities. Goodwill helps people with disabilities, as well as those who lack education and work experience, find jobs and become independent tax-paying members of their communities. Goodwill workforce development staff help people with disabilities identify careers they’re interested in and help them get the right training. People with disabilities also receive career support from Goodwill agencies.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15 and is a great time to highlight the growing Hispanic population’s contributions to the United States. There are many Goodwill® job training programs and career placement services that benefit individuals in the Hispanic community.
Spring Cleaning
Spring is a popular time for Goodwill donations as people clean out their closets. Some local Goodwill agencies sponsor spring cleaning contests, with gently used items going to Goodwill. Consider contacting your local Goodwill agency to see how Goodwill turns donations into jobs.
National Financial Literacy Month
April is National Financial Literacy Month, and it highlights the importance of financial literacy and establishing and maintaining healthy financial habits. Local Goodwill agencies have programs that help people maximize their money and build their assets, as well as those that offer tax preparation services to individuals with low incomes.
Workforce Development Professionals Month
May is Workforce Development Professionals Month. Workforce development staff at Goodwill agencies in the United States work with people to identify career paths and find the tools they need to be successful, and they support them as they grow in their careers. This is a great time to take a look behind the scenes at Goodwill to see how our job training programs work and how donations benefit the community.
Goodwill Industries Week
Goodwill Industries Week takes place from May 2 – 8, and is a time for local Goodwill agencies to celebrate their successes and educate people about the Goodwill mission of helping people find and keep good jobs. Many Goodwill agencies hold local events to thank their communities for their support.
Back to School
Goodwill is a great place to purchase affordable children’s clothing and products for back to school. More parents are stretching their family budgets by shopping at Goodwill. Not only are customers saving money, they are supporting Goodwill’s mission of helping people find jobs in their communities.
If you require additional information, please e-mail Media Relations Manager Lauren Lawson or Media Relations Specialist Charlene Sarmiento.
