Get Your Halloween Costume at Goodwill

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

It’s that time of year again — you know what I’m talking about. As Halloween creeps closer by the day, thrift stores like Goodwill slowly start flooding with wide-eyed newbies, wandering the aisles in packs searching for that perfect costume. Because the selection of clothing and accessories is so vast, it’s easy to find what you need. So whether you’re going as Tan Mom, Honey Boo Boo, Clint Eastwood’s chair or Snooki and her baby (lots of dolls available at Goodwill stores, folks!) you’re sure to find what you need.

My Story: Kris Jacques

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

Kris, who has cerebral palsy, had a hard time finding an employer who would allow him to prove he could work, until Goodwill gave him a chance. Since getting hired, he’s proved his ability as a donor and greeter, and has gained personal and financial independence.

Give Thrifted Chairs a New Life

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

I found this not-so-broken chair at my local Goodwill store. I thought this chair would look good on the front porch. It’s always good to have an extra chair for guests, and if I put it next to the door, it would be a great place to remove muddy shoes. Even though it looked like someone had used it as a step stool and broke the caning, the chair’s frame was sturdy. It just needed a new seat.

While Election Looms, Bipartisan Efforts Still Needed to Avoid the Fiscal Cliff

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

With Election Day only weeks away and having just passed a temporary spending measure that averted a government shutdown from occurring at the end of this week, most members of Congress are on the campaign trail convincing voters like you to give them their vote. Goodwill faces more immediate questions about whether policymakers will come together to avoid deep automatic spending cuts scheduled for early January and how vital domestic services and programs will be impacted.

My Story: Stephanie Gayle

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

Stephanie separated from her husband and had a hard time making ends meet and supporting her daughters. Goodwill’s Beyond Jobs program for single mothers helped connect her to training and employment opportunities, and taught her how to budget. She now has a full-time job and a house for her two girls. She says, “It feels good to know all my hard work has paid off.”

Fiscal Issues Are Congress' September Priority

On September 13, the House of Representatives passed a six-month extension of government funding that carries federal funding for FY 2013 through next March 27. The funding measure, approved by a vote of 329-91, includes a 0.6 percent increase in funding for most federal programs. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this week.

Fiscal Issues Are Congress’ September Priority

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

On September 13, the House of Representatives passed a six-month extension of government funding that carries federal funding for FY 2013 through next March 27. The funding measure, approved by a vote of 329-91, includes a 0.6 percent increase in funding for most federal programs. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure this week.

My Story: Devin Williams

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

Devin was incarcerated and had a history of substance abuse when he first learned about Goodwill. With support from Goodwill staff, Devin accessed internship and work opportunities, and graduated from community college. He now has a full-time job and is looking forward to pursuing his bachelor’s degree.

Give Your Fall Wardrobe a Kick with Affordable Shoe Styles

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

If there’s one thing that women cannot have enough of, it’s shoes. A great pair of shoes can transcend seasons, and can very often give a simple outfit its “wow” factor. Shoe choice is also pivotal when expressing a modern edge in vintage dressing. Just like in clothing, many of today’s biggest shoe trends are simply recycled from past eras. Therefore, it is entirely possible to find a trendy shoe score at your local Goodwill store.