OVERVIEW

Network of 183 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Strengthens communities and families by training people to become independent, tax-paying members of society.

2008 HIGHLIGHTS

1.525 million people benefited from Goodwill career services.

172,317 people placed in jobs – that’s every 42 seconds of every business day.

$3.25 billion total revenue.

84 percent of revenues funded employment programs and support services.

2,300+ retail stores and an online auction site, www.shopgoodwill.com.

64.4 million donors.

On Labor Day and Every Day, Goodwill Puts People to Work

August 25, 2008

Rockville, MD – Goodwill Industries^® sees more people turning to Goodwill^® looking for a bargain in retail stores and for help finding a job. For the first six months of 2008, Goodwill store sales nationally were up more than 6 percent as compared to the same timeframe last year. Anecdotal evidence suggests the number of people benefiting from Goodwill job training programs will likely match or exceed 2007’s 20 percent growth rate.

“Goodwill is helping people most impacted by economic challenges – people with disabilities, low-wage workers, and people who lack education and work experience,” says Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International^®. “We do that by selling donations in thousands of our retail stores and using that revenue to fund job training and employment support services. Our nation can and should do more to help people find and keep good jobs and move up the career ladder.”

Goodwill is helping people like Darryl in Astoria, NY, who was let go from his job after 14 years. He then exhausted his savings and was applying for public assistance when he discovered a program for people who are blind and visually impaired at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York. Goodwill helped Darryl find his dream job – a position with the New York Police Department. Today he is poised for long-term employment and a promotion, thanks to Goodwill. Goodwill also helps people like Sheryl from San Francisco, CA, a one-time heroin and cocaine addict, who was referred to Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties while in jail. Goodwill gave her a second chance and today Sheryl is a Goodwill employment specialist, inspiring others who face the obstacles she once worked to overcome.

“We are reminded this Labor Day that a good paying job and workplace success not only opens doors and other opportunity in life, but also drive our nation’s economy,” says Gibbons. “When you donate to Goodwill or shop in Goodwill stores, you are investing in the American worker so that people like Darryl and Sheryl can earn a paycheck, support their families and contribute to the economic health of our country.”

For free broadcast-quality video, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill.

Lauren Lawson
Manager, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell:	(240) 388-8309

Charlene Sarmiento
Specialist, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5590
Cell:	(240) 620-7703

For media interviews, e-mail Lauren or Charlene.