A Note about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to Our Shoppers, Donors and Those We Serve

Updated: May 5, 2020

Learn more about Goodwill® and our response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) here (FAQs)

Goodwill continues to work hard to evolve the collective response of our local Goodwill nonprofit organizations to the coronavirus pandemic while supporting team members and the communities they serve during this unprecedented public health event.

As a mission-based nonprofit organization, Goodwill cares deeply for the program participants we serve and our employees, as well as the many donors, shoppers and volunteers who allow us to help community members every day. We would like to reassure you that your health and well-being remain top priorities for us. As local Goodwill organizations reopen and continue to operate community donation centers, retail stores and program facilities, they are taking necessary safety measures, assessing and responding to the unique community needs in the areas they operate.

We know that Goodwill employees depend on local Goodwills to keep them healthy and safe, while supporting them to sustain their families. This responsibility is especially important, and delicate, given the current situation. As Goodwill organizations are slowly reopening in accordance with state and local guidance, there will be new sanitization and social distancing policies in place to protect the health and safety of our guests and our employees. To learn about specific changes to Goodwill operations in your community, visit our coronavirus FAQ page to learn how to connect with your local Goodwill.

Due to the social distancing requirements of the current pandemic, the majority of Goodwill retail stores and career centers were temporarily closed. With more than 30 million newly unemployed individuals in need of immediate support, more than 75 percent of Goodwill organizations integrated or transitioned their critical mission services to virtual delivery, including virtual career fairs and online courses in areas such as job search techniques, job leads and placements, and job-readiness skills. Goodwill organizations continue to help individuals with résumé writing, interview skills building, and more. Local Goodwill organizations are also providing online training, live virtual classes, and virtual career development services by phone or video conference, all at no cost to you. Access online skills-building resources now. If you are looking for immediate work, connect with employers that are immediately hiring. Find a job today.

This critical mission is typically funded through the sale of donated goods in our stores and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Due to the temporary closure of stores and donation sites, our job training programs and community supports will require additional support to continue to serve individuals impacted by this economic crisis. These individuals who are most at risk are working hard to support themselves and their families. If you are able to support this life-changing work with a financial donation, please visit give.goodwill.org.

In addition, you can make your voice heard through our Legislative Action Center. The action center serves as a platform for individuals to raise their voices by sending timely messages to members of Congress. Goodwill is working with a coalition of nonprofits to urge Congress to provide #Relief4Charities as support for nonprofits is critical during this crisis.. Lend your voice to make real change that will help our neighbors get back to work.