If there is one type of garment that thrift stores like Goodwill® have an abundance of, it would have to be the sweater. Chunky knit sweaters are a playful way to keep warm in the winter, and thrift stores have everything from designer versions to handmade looks from grandma’s knitting needle. Re-fashioning a thrifted knit sweater takes a little creativity, but the result can be a unique look with a nod to the whimsy.
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This week, hundreds on nonprofit advocates met with lawmakers and staff in order to protect charitable giving incentives, which are being threatened during discussions pertaining to the fiscal cliff. Goodwill Industries®, along with over 1.2 million other organizations, are part of a diverse charitable and philanthropic community working daily to provide programs and services that change the lives of individuals and strengthen families and communities.
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Carlos from Galveston, TX, asks, “I’ve got good office skills and experience, but can’t find a full-time job. My sister told me to try the temp agency in our town, but isn’t that just wasting time I could be using to find a proper job? What do you think?”
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The GCF Farm at Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina (Durham) has donated 20,636 pounds of fruits and vegetables to the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina in 2012, more than doubling last year’s amount. In addition to new developments in leadership and volunteerism, the increase in produce is also attributed to expanded garden space and more greenhouse use in colder weather to grow summer vegetables, including cucumbers and tomatoes.
READ MORE from NC Goodwill Donates More Than 20,000 Pounds of Produce to Food Bank
When Samantha came to Goodwill, she had no work experience. "Goodwill has taught me to be a team player and to take pride in my work," Samantha says.
It's the time of the year when holiday sweaters start coming out! Goodwill® is the best place to find these fabulous personalities, whether you're going to a sweater party or you're just brave enough to don a highly decorated pullover as everyday wear. But here's something else you could do with a holiday sweater - make yourself a stocking!
READ MORE from DIY Project: Create Stockings from Thrifted Holiday Sweaters
This week, Congress reconvened in a lame-duck session in order to wrap up unfinished business. Its most pressing responsibility is finding a solution to reduce the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years in order to avoid automatic spending cuts that will otherwise take effect at the beginning of next year. Goodwill supporters can take action now by urging Congress to support a balanced and bipartisan approach to deficit reduction.
READ MORE from Tell Congress to Remember Key Job Training Programs in Fiscal Cliff Discussions
Gene from Warwick, RI, asks, “I’ve been unemployed for over half a year now. I don’t have a computer, but get on the Internet through my smartphone. Can you recommend some apps to increase my career and financial chances?”
At Goodwill®, we work to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. Helping people prepare for jobs and advance their careers often means first connecting them with education options, which range from single courses to a complete certification or degree. Read on to learn about how two Goodwills are increasing access to educational opportunities for people in TX and GA communities.
READ MORE from Goodwills in GA, TX Advance Educational Opportunities for Local Students
Steven suffered permanent injuries in a car crash and, without a job, felt hopeless and like he wasn't contributing to society. After connecting with Goodwill, he regained hope and found employment that allows him to feel fulfilled and earn a paycheck.
Because we have already created buzz around Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, why not fill in the only day after Thanksgiving that’s been sadly overlooked in the moniker department? That’s why right here, today, before all of my blogosphere witnesses, I propose Second Chance Sunday--when everyone goes to Goodwill and finds the most awesome gifts ever.
Today, Thanksgiving Day, most of us will take a brief moment to pause to reflect upon and to be thankful for important things like freedom, food security, places to call home and jobs. The harsh reality is that many people in the U.S. lack these basic needs today.
READ MORE from Looking to Help People This Thanksgiving? Be an Advocate for Change!
