News Release

Goodwill Industries encourages support for Katrina relief efforts

For Now, Cash Donations to Relief Organizations Most Helpful

August 31, 2005

Rockville, MD – Goodwill Industries is encouraging people who want to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina to donate money to groups that offer services after a disaster and collect money for victims. 

“While we are not a relief organization, we recognize that cash donations are most needed in the first days after a disaster, so that volunteer relief agencies can issue cash vouchers to those who need them and meet the basic needs of victims,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. 

Below is a list of agencies that provide a wide range of services after disasters, including clean-up, childcare, crisis counseling, shelter and food.  These organizations are also accepting cash donations for the hurricane victims.

In addition, Goodwill Industries International is accepting online donations to help meet the immediate needs of Goodwill employees and program participants in the affected areas.  After these needs are met, the funds will be used to help them resume their jobs, or find new ones, as well as to rebuild the employment and career programs provided by Goodwill agencies in the Gulf region. 

“We want to help the employees and clients of the affected Goodwill agencies survive these devastating days, and provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives,” says Kessinger.  Donors can visit our web site to make a donation by credit card, or send a check to Goodwill Industries International, Inc.; c/o Hurricane Relief; 15810 Indianola Drive; Rockville, MD 20855.