Category: The Goodwill Blog

As a professional organizer, I have come to think of Halloween as the beginning of the “heavy decorating season.” These last three months of the year inspire so many families to haul out the witches’ cauldrons, the cornucopias, and of course, the holiday lights and trees. Then after the season ends, of course, these items need to be stored…somewhere! Be more conscious of creating holiday clutter with these Halloween tips in my video.

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During the workweek, hungry lunchtime shoppers near the Goodwill Industries-Suncoast (St. Petersburg, FL) Ocala Outlet store on West Silver Springs Boulevard now have a unique option: hot dogs from a cart managed by nine participants in the Goodwill Adult Day Training Program.

READ MORE from FL Program Participants Turn Hot Dog Cart into Self-Sustaining Business

The question of the evening during the debate last Tuesday, as often times is the case, came not from a senior citizen wise with experience or a veteran who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. It came from one of the youngest people in the audience to ask a question that night, 24-year-old Pre-K teacher Katherine Fenton, who asked about women in the workforce.

READ MORE from Debate Question Sparks National Conversation about Women in the Workforce

Working at Goodwill has given Isis more than a chance at a paycheck -- it has given her a chance to advance her career and provide for her family. Programs such as leadership training and educational support have helped her come a long way in her life. She says, "I feel really good about the work I do. My work pays off every day."

READ MORE from My Story: Isis Truman

Elise from Dover, DE, asks, “I started college this year. I’m starting to hear more people talk about how it’s important to have good credit, but I don’t know the first thing about finances. Any tips?”

READ MORE from Five Tips for Building Good Credit

RESPECT of Florida — a statewide program that assists participating nonprofit organizations — recognized Goodwill Industries of the Big Bend (Tallahassee, FL) as Florida’s best nonprofit providing service-related employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

READ MORE from FL Goodwill Earns State Recognition for Employment Services

Wayne decided to leave behind his successful career with the Port of Trinidad in order to move to the United States and be with his newborn son. He found work as a manual labor, but was forced to stop after his doctors discovered he had congestive heart failure. With Goodwill's support, he found a position that allows him to use his skills while not risking his health.

READ MORE from My Story: Wayne Quamina

New Halloween costumes can start at about $30, but when you add in all the pieces and accessories, they can add up to more than $150. Spending that much for one night is completely unnecessary, especially when most store-bought costumes are mass produced, making it almost impossible to enjoy your night without running into another person or even multiple people wearing the same exact costume as you. If you want to stand out for being smart and creative, than Goodwill is your best option. Goodwill stores across the country have organized Halloween sections that include costumes as well as decorations. Prices vary, but it’s completely possible to get a head-to-toe costume for less than $20. Just follow these simple steps.

READ MORE from How to Shop Goodwill for Your Halloween Costume

Are you suffering from election fatigue? I’m a total policy wonk but living in a swing state with a heated Senate race means even I’m afraid to answer my phone, turn on the radio and television, or open my mailbox. We’re still four weeks out from Election Day and believe it or not, legislators can still get things done during the lame duck session, which is why it’s important that Goodwill® advocates remain engaged.

READ MORE from Lame Duck Session Critical for Job Training, Education Programs

Stella from Tuscaloosa, AL, asks, "I identify myself as a member of the LGBT community. I think I have been discriminated against in my job, but mostly I just want to be in a workplace where I can be accepted for who I am. How can I find that great fit?"

READ MORE from Finding a Good Job Fit When You Identify as LGBT

About a week ago, a retail sorter at Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast (Mobile, AL) upheld the core values of Goodwill® when he found $1,100 in a donated suit, turned it in to the manager and was able to return the money to its owner.

READ MORE from Goodwill® Employee Returns $1,100 Found in Donated Suit

Goodwill Korea gave Eun Hee Lee her first job in 2010. Working at the Sasang Store in Busan, she helps prepare donated clothing, assisting customers and cleaning, among other work. She enjoys her job and gets excited when customers are able to get great deals on items. She says, "I hope more people donate to Goodwill so we have more goods to sell and our store will be full of more and more customers."

READ MORE from My Story: Eun Hee Lee