Have Yourself a Thrifty Little Christmas – and a Thrifty New Year
As you’ve probably learned by now, Christmas can get pricey – and quick. I’d be lying if I said I got everything under my tree this year at thrift stores, but I definitely tried hard to get as much as I could there. And while it’s easy to rush to the biggest box store and mindlessly fill a cart with stuff shipped here from thousands of miles away, thrifting for loved ones involves a little more patience, a little more time – but definitely not as much money or waste. When you buy a perfect something for someone special at a Goodwill, you’re really doing a world of good. Soon we’ll all watch loved ones unwrap their treasures. And when they hold it up and gush about how much they love it, tell them proudly where you got it!
Goodwill Advocates: What's Important to You in 2013?
We hope this blog serves as a way to educate and inform Goodwill shoppers, donors, program participants and staff among others, about the hot topics affecting our agency and the people we serve. In the new year, we hope to continue to be a valuable resource to our stakeholders, garner more grassroots support, and advance Goodwill Industries’ legislative agenda. We would love to learn more about the types of information you would like to see on this page and how you feel you can be an effective advocate. Please take our short survey to give us your feedback.
Goodwill Advocates: What’s Important to You in 2013?
We hope this blog serves as a way to educate and inform Goodwill shoppers, donors, program participants and staff among others, about the hot topics affecting our agency and the people we serve. In the new year, we hope to continue to be a valuable resource to our stakeholders, garner more grassroots support, and advance Goodwill Industries’ legislative agenda. We would love to learn more about the types of information you would like to see on this page and how you feel you can be an effective advocate. Please take our short survey to give us your feedback.
My Story: Joy Henry
Through numerous life and health challenges, Goodwill has been a constant in Joy’s life. She says, “I can feel myself smiling, laughing and healing, and I truly feel cared about. This place is my therapy.”
Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Hold a Range of Implications for Goodwill
With the election a fading memory, Congressional leaders and the president are finally engaged in serious negotiations about a deficit reduction deal. While questions about whether such a deal will be achieved and what it may look like makes terrific political theater for political junkies, it’s important to remember that, over the course of several years, many factors have led to this decisive moment in our history. All the while, as it has been since 1902, Goodwill has been on the front lines helping people to overcome their employment challenges.
Introverted? Check Out These Tips for Career Success
Andy from Columbia, MO, “All of my coworkers are loud and outgoing. I’m pretty shy and feel overshadowed by them. I like my job and I’m good at it, but feel like my team values these kinds of people more than they do how I am. What should I do?”
My Story: Daniel Owens
Daniel Owens was recovering from a relapse of his bipolar illness and living in debt when he came to Goodwill in Medford, OR. There, he connected with training and financial stability programs that helped him return to the workforce, and gained the support to start his own video production company.
How to Choose and Accessorize a Festive Holiday Sweater
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.
Urge Policymakers to Protect Charitable Giving Incentives
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.
Find Job Opportunities Through Temporary Work
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?”
My Story: Samantha Lawhorne
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.
DIY Project: Create Stockings from Thrifted Holiday Sweaters
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!