Going Green for St. Patrick's Day

Every March 17, I wake up, head to my closet to get dressed, and I’m surprised to see that there is not a green shirt in sight. “Ugh, that’s right!” I’ll remember, with frustration, thinking about how my lack of planning will get me pinched repeatedly throughout the day. How could I have let this happen again? You see, green just doesn’t look great on me and the other 364 days of the year pass perfectly fine without my incorporating green into my wardrobe. Then comes St. Patrick’s Day and I remember how I promised myself the previous year that I would just get something green to wear for one day to avoid all of the pain.

Going Green for St. Patrick’s Day

Every March 17, I wake up, head to my closet to get dressed, and I’m surprised to see that there is not a green shirt in sight. “Ugh, that’s right!” I’ll remember, with frustration, thinking about how my lack of planning will get me pinched repeatedly throughout the day. How could I have let this happen again? You see, green just doesn’t look great on me and the other 364 days of the year pass perfectly fine without my incorporating green into my wardrobe. Then comes St. Patrick’s Day and I remember how I promised myself the previous year that I would just get something green to wear for one day to avoid all of the pain.

Help Hardworking Americans Receive Tax Returns on March 15

Each year the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program puts billions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income taxpayers nationwide. The VITA program is an IRS program designed to help low and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. The program was originally founded in 1971 and the concept is to provide local taxpayers with free tax return preparation by accounting students, in effort to provide both a valuable community service and a powerful hands-on learning experience for the accounting students. The program grew from a small group of dedicated accounting students to what is now a nationwide program that serves millions of taxpayers.

Great Expectations: Baby Prep Goodwill Style

As you count down the months you have left before baby arrives, you’re probably watching your bank account get smaller, too. It’s remarkable how much stuff babies need, am I right? Of course some of it seems unnecessary at the out-start, but in my experience, if it buys mom and dad even three minutes of quiet to sit down, prepare a meal, or use the bathroom, then it’s worth every penny. Still, splurging on all new gear would be a serious budget buster so thrifty parents turn to our old friend Goodwill.

What Makes an Ethical Voter?

I recently read a blog, The Five Principles of Integrity in Elections where the author discusses a commitment to ethics which is needed in elections, particularly by election officials. I would suggest that the same five principles could be used by voters when picking a candidate, a position on an issue and engaging in political debate.

My Story: Travis McCausland

Travis McCausland is a Recognition Programs Associate at the Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. He is also a graduate of the Good Careers Academy at Goodwill of San Antonio (TX).

Winter Wares

It’s unabashedly evident today, as I snuggle up with my son at home on his very first school snow day, that winter isn’t over yet. I was also reminded of this a few weeks ago when my favorite winter coat ripped right down the side, exposing my sweater-clad self to a February chill. At this point in the season, I can’t bare the thought of shelling out $100 or more for a new wool or down coat as I’d rather save my money for cute rain boots or spring-like scarves. Who’s with me? What’s a coatless lady to do? Head to Goodwill, of course!

Behind the Curtain of an Advocacy Day

Anyone who has ever planned an event before is probably reminded of the Wizard of Oz quote, “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” The Goodwill Industries International’s (GII) public policy team is in the midst of planning our annual advocacy event, which includes a day on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers and staff. For our public advocates including shoppers, donors, people who have received services, and other Goodwill stakeholders – the event also includes a Virtual Advocacy Day.

Shop at Goodwill: You Never Know What You Might Find

Remember that episode of “Friends” when Phoebe shares her distaste for Pottery Barn because everyone who shops there ends up with the same stuff? Today’s post is dedicated to all of you Phoebes out there who prefer to have the unique, eye-catching pieces that can only be found at places like Goodwill. Whether you seek oddities that cause a raised brow, collector’s items, or clothing custom-made for celebrities, you never know what you might find at Goodwill!

Cupid’s Arrow Misses Wide Right in Washington, DC

As Valentine’s Day came and went all across America many of us spent the long weekend with a loved one dining out, taking a trip, exchanging cards and gifts or quietly spending time together. But in the nation’s capital, valentines and signs of affection were nowhere to be found. It started just the week before with the announcement of the President’s FY 2017 budget.

My Story: Virginia Finster

Looking at how I could move forward in life and what my next step was, I knew that education was something that had to be done. As far as what I could do, I wasn’t sure. I knew that I had little money and I had little time, but I needed something that would catapult me into a career where I could support my children and move forward in life.

Five-Minute Fixes (Part Two)

Are you ready for another adventure in thrifting? This week, let’s talk about how it’s possible to be incredibly busy (and even a little bit lazy, if you’re anything like me…) and still accomplish your own DIY projects! The secret is to find thrift store treasures that are mostly cool, but just need a little love. Then with a few minutes and a plan, you’ll be able to turn it into something really special. When I spot something at Goodwill that interests me, but needs a facelift, I often consider doing one of the following: painting it, repurposing it, or trimming it. One of those three options usually yields a unique project that I am really proud of.