By Laura Walling, Senior Director of Government Relations, Goodwill Industries International
Obviously, 2020 has been a year like no other. As a nation, we have had to manage through a pandemic, impact caused by natural disasters and climate change, and racial injustices. Yet many have dealt with at least one of these challenges throughout their lives. Our resiliency as a people and a country are one of the many things for which I am grateful this Thanksgiving. It gives me hope that we’ll come out of this time better and stronger on the other side.
As we reflect on other things for which we are thankful during this difficult year, we at Goodwill Industries International are giving thanks for you — our advocates. Regardless of your connection to Goodwill®, you volunteer your voice to speak up on behalf of those who face challenges to employment. You educate policymakers about the mission of Goodwill and the impact of their decisions. You take action via GII’s Legislative Action Center, share blogs like this, and interact with us on social media. You share your stories about the importance of federal job training programs and how you have been impacted by the mission of Goodwill. You make a difference.
We’ve had a number of successes this year, particularly when seeking #Relief4Charities that have been suffering during the pandemic. Small nonprofits became eligible to access Paycheck Protection Program funds, some CARES Act funding to states and localities were turned into grants for local organizations, and a temporary universal charitable giving deduction was enacted, allowing taxpayers to deduct some of their charitable contributions.
Despite these best efforts, there is still more work to be done. Much of the relief provided has been temporary, and many large nonprofits (especially those serving vast rural communities or large cities), have not been able to access any relief. And there are still a large number of people who rely on the services provided by local Goodwill organizations around the country.
Our services continue to be of great importance to communities, and your support has never mattered more. Thank you.
