Two Valentine's Day Gifts to Make from Goodwill Finds

Here are two really great gifts you can make from Goodwill finds. The candy dish is a sweet and easy project that can be assembled in a few minutes. The book gift is a little more involved, but is a nice, romantic surprise for a special sweetheart. Either way, that special someone will love these thoughtful Valentine’s presents, and your purchases will help Goodwill create jobs for people in your local community — a doubly sweet deal!

Two Valentine’s Day Gifts to Make from Goodwill Finds

Diverse group of six workers wearing safety vests posing in front of a loading dock.

Here are two really great gifts you can make from Goodwill finds. The candy dish is a sweet and easy project that can be assembled in a few minutes. The book gift is a little more involved, but is a nice, romantic surprise for a special sweetheart. Either way, that special someone will love these thoughtful Valentine’s presents, and your purchases will help Goodwill create jobs for people in your local community — a doubly sweet deal!

Unemployment: Are We Treating Symptoms or the Patient?

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As the nation slowly recovers from the worst recession since the Great Depression, and concerns about the deficit remain front and center, some policymakers are tempted to consolidate the workforce system in the name of reform. While a case can be made that broad consolidation would lead to some savings and efficiencies, I believe — especially because several key laws are due for Congressional review — the current dialogue must shift from consolidation to promoting integration and collaboration among existing resources and programs.

How to Use LinkedIn to Help You Find a Job

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Julianne from Lawton, OK, asks, “I was talking to my uncle about how hard it is to find a job, and he said I should try getting on LinkedIn. I’ve used Facebook before – is it the same?” –

My Story: Justin Throckmorton

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When Justin first started work, he struggled to understand appropriate boundaries and actively listen to directions from his supervisor. Goodwill’s program gave him the structured setting he needed in order to build those skills, and he is now employed at a local supermarket. “Overall, Goodwill has helped me overcome many obstacles to obtain a job that I really love.”

How to Incorporate Vintage Clothing into Your Workplace Wardrobe

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Vintage clothing can be an excellent way to express your creativity and individuality — even within the confines of your 9-to-5 job. Goodwill is and always will be an excellent source to get these items inexpensively, due in part to their entrepreneurial business model of collecting and selling donated goods in its more than 2,800 stores and its auction site, shopgoodwill.com. To add a little vintage spice to your workplace wardrobe, consider these tips.

Every Day Is Groundhog Day in Washington, DC

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Millions of classic movie lovers will recall the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray, in which his egocentric character is doomed to repeat February 2 day after day. Just a couple hundred miles to the southeast in Washington, policymakers are living a real-life political version of the 1993 movie classic.

My Story: Rachal Underwood

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Rachal was willing to try any job after relocating to Los Angeles with her 2-year-old son. She connected with Goodwill’s Beyond Jobs program, which helped connect her with CNA and Home Health Aide training. She is now employed and works as a nurse mentor for other women who were once in her shoes. “I am forever grateful,” she says.

New Uses for Thrift Store Records

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Goodwill, a leading social service enterprise and one of the nation’s most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands, has a huge selection of vinyl for you to choose from. There are a lot of really cheesy ballads out there so consider the following projects to give your records a bit of an upgrade.

Earned Income Tax Credit: Providing a Path to Self Sufficiency

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The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides critical tax relief for low income workers and working people with disabilities. Goodwill strongly supports the EITC and is cosponsoring an event on Thursday, January 24, on Capitol Hill that will help educate policymakers and congressional staff about the importance of this key credit for American workers.

My Story: Colin Kneece

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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.