Bring Winter Vibes into Your Home with These Goodwill Décor Hacks

The changing of the seasons brings to mind a strange perception of time – especially in the wake of the last year and a half. Time sometimes seems to move so slowly, other times more so like you blink and somehow weeks or months have gone by. It can be hard to anchor ourselves in the present, especially when it can be so unpredictable, but by letting yourself focus on the small things, the little moments that together make up our lives, you might find a way to become more grounded and appreciate what’s around you right then and there in the moment.

Winter Mix-and-Match

It’s easy to get in a style rut in the winter. It gets dark early, it’s colder, it’s cloudy and gray. And since all we want to do is curl up in blankets and drink eggnog, it’s easy to forget that anything but gray sweatpants even exist.

Support Universal Charitable Giving

On the heels of Giving Tuesday, Goodwill Industries International joins our partners in the Charitable Giving Coalition in calling on Congress to expand charitable giving incentives to all taxpayers. Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has marked the beginning of the year-end season of giving, during which Americans display unmatched generosity through charitable donations.

My Story: Michael Blanton

Recently named Goodwill Achiever of the Year, Michael Blanton is a testament of hope to those looking to overcome obstacles and recreate their lives. When he was released from prison with no place to go and no money, Michael had a long road ahead of him.

Giving Thanks to Our Advocates

As we reflect on the things for which we are thankful during this holiday season, we at Goodwill Industries International are giving thanks for you — our advocates.

Three Tips For Fall and Winter Thrifting

As we transition into the chillier months of the fall and winter seasons, it’s a great time to get creative with our thrifting. Check out these three fantastic ways you can keep your fashion fresh during the colder months, especially as we continue to persevere through the pandemic.

Apprenticeships Provide a Pathway to Rebuilding America

For many American workers, participation in an apprenticeship program offers an invaluable pathway to a rewarding career with good wages. Local Goodwill organizations have a long history of partnering with employers and community colleges to facilitate innovative apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. These structured earn-and-learn models combine occupational training, classroom instruction, access to support services, and opportunities for paid work experience with employers that prepare program participants, particularly those facing barriers to employment, for long-term career success.

My Story: Kevin Ricksy

From the minister who hired individuals to mend, and repair used goods, to the servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedom, democracy, rights, and privileges of our great country, these individuals are an integral part to a community’s ability to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Within this group, is Kevin Ricksy.

Recognizing Veterans and Military Families in November

Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and military family members. President Joe Biden recently signed a proclamation designating November as National Veterans and Military Families Month. “To those who serve and those that serve alongside them — their families and caregivers — we owe a debt we can never fully repay,” said Biden. “We as a nation have a sacred obligation to properly equip and prepare our troops when we send them in to harm’s way and to support them and their families, both while they are deployed and when they return home.”

Momentum for Build Back Better is Still Building

Final passage of the bipartisan infrastructure framework and House passage of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill appear to be in sight — at least at the time of this writing. If the House passes the bipartisan infrastructure bill without any changes, it will head to the President for his signature.

Are you #VoteReady?

While considered an “off” year, every election is important and provides an opportunity to be an active participant in our democracy.  This year, New Jersey and Virginia will hold regularly scheduled elections for governor.  Other state executive offices up for election include lieutenant gubernatorial seats and an attorney general seat.  Including down-ballot races, there are seven state executive offices up for election across four states in 2021.

How to Make “Thrift Shop” Your Ultimate Halloween Costume

It’s music to my ears when someone starts a conversation with “hey, can we go thrift shopping?” I get excited about all the possibilities that might be found searching through the racks at my favorite Goodwill store, and while I love shopping by myself, it’s equally satisfying to find some real treasure on the racks and turn to a friend standing nearby to show off the big find.