As the end of 2015 approaches, it’s natural to begin contemplating changes and improvements for the new year ahead. The ringing in of 2016 isn’t just about throwing a great party – although, let’s be honest, going the extra mile to find fun dress and décor is a wonderful way to start on a positive
Category: The Goodwill Blog
Taxpayers Receive a Special Gift Just in Time for the Holidays
Tis’ the season of giving, and it appears that Congress has delivered a gift to individual taxpayers and the charitable sector this week. While negotiating a budget deal to keep the government open, lawmakers were also negotiating the extension of a number of tax provisions (52 to be exact), which were set to expire at the end of the year. The tax agreement passed the House on Thursday. The Senate is likely to pass the bill on Friday. Some of the provisions in the agreement were made permanent while others would be reinstated through 2019, reinstated through 2016, or phased out over time.
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Roanoke Goodwill Featured in National Publication for Workforce Development
The Aspen Institute’s Workforce Strategies Initiatives (AspenWSI) and Achieving the Dream recently released a new case study, titled“Working Together, Making a Difference”, which highlights the partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (Roanoke) and Virginia Western Community College. The partnership is part of the Courses to Employment project.
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How to Make More Room for New Stuff
One of my favorite ways to save time is to shop online, yet one of my least favorite jobs is breaking down the cardboard boxes that show up when my stuff is delivered! And while I love to get new things, I also follow the “One In, One Out” rule, so for everything new, something else gets donated to Goodwill®.
Take a Goodwill® Challenge
It isn’t often that I get sucked into YouTube, watching one video after another, but I have to admit that I get hopelessly lost whenever I start watching $5 Goodwill Challenge videos. Tonight was especially bad because two of my loves were combined: Goodwill and Christmas. But how could I help myself? It turns out that there are some truly posh holiday displays shared online designed around Goodwill finds. Here are a few.
Tick Tock, Tick Tock
Oh no, here we go again…maybe. Congress has once again brought our government to the verge of shutdown, not because there are wide differences over the spending levels, but rather over a host of unrelated policy issues best handled as stand-alone legislation than attached to annual spending bills.
How to Turn Toys from the Past into Jobs of the Future
Every holiday season, it seems there's a new toy, game or device that has parents making a mad dash to the mall. While some of those holiday favorites live on for years, others fall by the wayside faster than you can say “Happy New Year!” Luckily, Goodwill® has been available to turn the items in your land of forgotten toys (formerly known as your basement or garage) into job training and employment services for the community. Let's take a look at some of the most memorable and sought-after holiday toys of the last 20 years and how they can make a difference today.
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Veterans Honored with Mural in San Antonio
Earlier this month, Goodwill San Antonio (TX) and it’s community partner Starbucks celebrated Veterans Day by unveiling a mural by acclaimed artist Jesse Treviño, a veteran who painted the mural to honor the men and women who have served in the United States military.
My Story: Lee Ann Hannaford
Lee Ann Hannaford is the winner of Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut's (Bridgeport) 2015 Spirit of Inspiration Award, She discusses how she has recently been able to overcome living with a debilitating brain injury and hopes for the future.
Your Quest for the Perfect Gift Begins at Goodwill®
How’s your holiday shopping coming? I’ve tracked down a few of my most important gifts, but there is still much to be done on my end before Christmas arrives. In an effort to save money and give thoughtful, handmade gifts, I’ve turned to Goodwill. If you’re in the same boat as me, I thought I’d share a few of my plans for this holiday season in hopes of inspiring yours.
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Confessions of a Holiday “Stuff Gatekeeper”
On Cyber Monday, I purchased items from Goodwill’s online retail partners. Upon delivery, I’ll remove my new items, and fill the shipping boxes with my Black Friday donations. Next, I’ll print a pre-paid shipping label at givebackbox.com . Finally, I can send the box of donations to my local Goodwill, and it will sell my donations to generate revenues which support employment, job training and other services that create strong families in my community.
A Christmas Kickoff
Thanksgiving is over, so it’s now officially okay to start celebrating Christmas (if that’s your thing, anyway). It’s always been an important holiday in my family so I’m excited to throw myself into decorating, party planning, and gift buying with all the vigor of a well-rested reindeer on Christmas Eve morning. Join me, will you?
