Goodwill® Employee Returns $8,000 Found in Donation Pile at Georgia Store

On December 28, an 18-year-old Goodwill sales associate found and returned four bank envelopes containing $8,000 found while sorting donations at a Chattanooga Goodwill Industries (TN) store. Following Goodwill policy, she immediately notified the store’s lead sales associate and the manager on duty.

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My Story: Colin Kneece

Colin grew up in an alcoholic and abusive environment and later faced mental health challenges following a period of unemployment as an adult. After connecting with Goodwill's vocational training program, he is now employed full time and feeling better about his life. "They have helped me develop myself," he says.

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Out with the Old, In with the New

With the coming of the new year many of us like to reflect upon the previous year and resolve to do better in the next: lose some weight, quit smoking, save more, and do more for those less fortunate. How about considering Goodwill® in your New Year's resolutions? Goodwill generates opportunities for people to achieve economic stability and build strong families and vibrant communities by offering job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others who face challenges to finding employmen

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Getting Swept Up in ‘Secondhand’ Politics

It’s hard to live in DC right now without constantly noticing all of the inaugural preparations going on. The city is buzzing with an influx of political tourists, the streets are lined with patriotically decorated store windows, and of course tons of temporary stores and booths are popping up to sell us all kitschy political souvenirs. Now I don’t like to mix pleasure and politics, but since my city is DC and my pleasure is thrift stores, I couldn’t help myself. Seeing all of these t-shirts and bobbleheads being plucked up brought back a flood of memories of all the political swag that I saw in thrift stores across the country during the great RV trip in 2011.

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Getting Swept Up in 'Secondhand' Politics

It’s hard to live in DC right now without constantly noticing all of the inaugural preparations going on. The city is buzzing with an influx of political tourists, the streets are lined with patriotically decorated store windows, and of course tons of temporary stores and booths are popping up to sell us all kitschy political souvenirs. Now I don’t like to mix pleasure and politics, but since my city is DC and my pleasure is thrift stores, I couldn’t help myself. Seeing all of these t-shirts and bobbleheads being plucked up brought back a flood of memories of all the political swag that I saw in thrift stores across the country during the great RV trip in 2011.

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Ways to Serve Your Community through Goodwill®

As we reflect on the legacy of another reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the first family has called on Americans to continue the tradition they began four years ago with a National Day of Service. Goodwill Industries International is honored to answer that call. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference through Goodwill on the National Day of Service and throughout the year.

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Ways to Serve Your Community through Goodwill®

As we reflect on the legacy of another reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the first family has called on Americans to continue the tradition they began four years ago with a National Day of Service. Goodwill Industries International is honored to answer that call. Here are some ideas for how you can make a difference through Goodwill on the National Day of Service and throughout the year.

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Claim Tax Credits and Receive Free Tax Filing Assistance

Joan from Minneapolis, MN, asks, “I’ve been dreading tax season. I’m already having a tough time making ends meet, and now I probably have to pay a tax preparer and pay money to the IRS. Please help!”

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Goodwills to Engage Volunteers During Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

An increasing number of Americans are using the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to honor Dr. King’s legacy by volunteering in their communities. The holiday takes place on January 21, 2013, this year, the same day as U.S. President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Volunteers are using this day as ‘a day on, not a day off’ to address the needs in their communities and help create solutions to social problems. Local Goodwill® agencies are engaging volunteers on this day for a number of community service projects.

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Seven Steps to Reduce Gadget Clutter and Enjoy Your Toys

Got a new gadget over the holidays? Maybe it’s a beautiful new iPod, phone, or camera… and maybe the boxes, instructions and accessories are all over your desk and counter tops! The second Monday in January is National Clean Off Your Desk Day, so let’s clear this gadget debris. No more empty boxes, drawers and bins full of old cords and cables, and no more files full of obsolete manuals. Here’s my seven-step checklist for making sure your gadget has the best possible life.

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My Story: Christopher Smallwood

Christopher had a desire to be independent and earn his own money, but his disability posed an obstacle in finding and maintaining long-term employment. After connecting with Goodwill, his confidence and attitude began to improve. He now believes in his potential and says, "Because I am successful at work, I feel better about myself."

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Impending Policy Decisions Are More Important than Ever

Inside the Beltway, “compromise” has become a 4-letter word, resulting in ongoing gridlock and Congressional approval ratings at record lows. Especially with the economic recovery still fragile, important decisions – and indecisions for that matter – made during the new 113th Congress will have significant long-term implications.

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