News Release

• More Releases

USA TODAY Honors Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Selected by USA TODAY for its 'Spirit of the USA' Charity Program

August 27, 2007

Rockville, MD – As part of USA TODAY's celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the newspaper is running a series of front page ‘snapshots’ featuring the charities it supports. On Friday, August 31, USA TODAY will highlight Goodwill Industries International (GII).

“Goodwill Industries congratulates USA TODAY on its 25th anniversary for its years of service and we salute it for taking the opportunity to recognize the many nonprofit organizations that help strengthen our communities," says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.  "Through this ‘snapshot’ opportunity in the newspaper and online, Goodwill can remind Americans that for more than 100 years, we have contributed to our communities by helping people find good jobs and support themselves and their families." 

Through its more than two million circulation, USA TODAY hopes to educate its readers on the generosity of nonprofits in our country. Readers are encouraged to learn more about Goodwill Industries by viewing the snapshot on the front page of USA TODAY on Friday, August 31, and on www.goodwill.usatoday.com, as well by visiting www.goodwill.org.

Also to mark its anniversary, USA TODAY will donate $25 to a charity of choice for each new subscription. Visit www.goodwill.org for details or call (800) 872-0001 and request offer 953. Goodwill is honored to be among the select group of charities chosen by USA TODAY. USA TODAY's 25th anniversary is September 15, 2007.

Since 1902, Goodwill has helped people find jobs so that they can support themselves and their families. When someone has a hard time finding work—because of a disability, limited education or lack of skills and experience—Goodwill is there.

Goodwill Industries International is the leading nonprofit provider of job training and job placement services for people with disabilities, welfare recipients and other job seekers. GII is a network of 184 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries. Donated household goods and clothing are sold in Goodwill’s retail stores, and that revenue helps us place someone in a good job every 56 seconds of every business day.

Donations to Goodwill helped fund job training programs that benefited nearly one million people in 2006 and people placed in competitive employment carried home an estimated $1.9 billion in earnings. Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, trust, and friendships, and preparing individuals for life success.