Support Your Local Community By Spending Black Friday at Goodwill®

As I’m sure you’re aware, today is Black Friday. Armies of Americans are now rushing out to malls and big box stores, waiting in lines, and wrestling with strangers for the best holiday deals. But to me, the event just isn’t worth it. I can get the same amazing prices at my local Goodwill retail stores while also avoiding the stress of enormous crowds, and still benefiting my local community!

Eighty-three percent of collective revenues raised through the sale of donated goods support and grow Goodwill’s critical community-based programs and services. That’s a mission I feel good about supporting, especially during the holiday season. So instead of shopping at chain stores this Black Friday, I’ll be stopping into Goodwill!

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Image via FashionOfGoodwill.org

The main items on my shopping list are the elements necessary to compose a classy look for holiday parties. Every year, our friends or family host at least one holiday cocktail party or New Year’s countdown, and I want to be ready. Shopping for fancy party attire is usually pretty simple, but if you aren’t sure of your intended look, that can definitely throw a wrench into an otherwise smooth shopping experience. To avoid this, check out this blog post by Goodwill of Greater Washington (DC) for some holiday fashion ideas. Keep it simple with a Little Black Dress (pictured above) or embrace your party personality by selecting an outfit more fitting for The Wildcard in you – it’s your choice!

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Image via TwoTwentyOne.net

Also on my Black Friday shopping list is a cozy cable-knit sweater. I’ve been feeling super inspired after viewing this sweater present display from Chelsea of the blog Two Twenty One. A gorgeous (and simple) DIY project like this will be the perfect way to spend some time this weekend and I’ll be able to enjoy putting it out with the rest of our Christmas décor for years to come. After you’ve found the right Goodwill sweater(s) for your present display, click through to Chelsea’s blog for the full tutorial!

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Image via SOGoodwill.org

Every year, as I pull out boxes stuffed to the brim with garland and baubles, it’s inevitable that I stumble upon at least one string of lights that no longer works. Fortunately for those living in the Southern Oregon Goodwill Industries (Medford) area, old lights – working or not – can be donated to Goodwill to get them out of your closet and into other peoples’ homes or a recycling facility! This eco-friendly option will not only benefit Mother Earth and your home’s storage space, but it will also generate revenue for job-training initiatives. ‘Tis the season for giving!

Thank you so much for supporting Goodwill this holiday season. Stay tuned for more festive DIY projects and thrifty holiday fashion inspiration in the upcoming weeks. We are so excited to be sharing this season with you and hope to see you soon whether it’s because you’re avoiding the stressful scurry of Black Friday or because you value reinvesting your hard-earned dollars within your own community. Have a great weekend!