Goodwill in Richmond VA — More Than Just Donations

Most of us think of Goodwill as a place to drop off our old stuff and a place to pick up some new (to us) stuff at a great price. That is true, but Goodwill has so much more to offer. Did you know that Goodwill also provides education, job training and placement? Let’s take a closer look at our neighborhood Goodwill.

Giving and getting goods is the major source of income for Goodwill and the easiest way for us to help. This is a great place to take our items that are still good, but aren’t used any more. They take items such as electronics, small household goods, clothing, toys, computers and even old cars. Just make sure the items are in good shape and clean. The local Goodwill stores have a huge selection of goods and they are extremely well priced. Check them out if you haven’t already!

A major part of Goodwill’s mission is to eliminate barriers to opportunity. Each of us has a different background that influences our ability to succeed. If our background is very limited in our access to tools for success, we will naturally struggle. Some of the people who may have barriers to opportunity include seniors, people with disabilities, people with criminal backgrounds, veterans and their families, immigrants, and youth. This is where Goodwill is so effective.

Goodwill provides free services such as job and career training, interview practice, resume writing, and advice on proper interview/work attire. They also provide help finding child care and reliable transportation along with a financial planning course to manage newly earned resources. I never knew all that!

These are all free services, so how is that possible? That’s where we can help. There are several ways to keep Goodwill as a powerful force in the community. We can donate goods to Goodwill, buy lots of goods from Goodwill, volunteer our time and be a business partner willing to give a job start to newly trained workers.

Goodwill is making such an impact that Beyonce’ is promoting the success and needs of Goodwill in her upcoming tour - The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. She will be asking for financial donations as well as goods. This is another way you can help by joining Beyonce’ and giving a monetary gift through the Goodwill website - www.goodwill.org.

Who knew all this? Goodwill is such an asset to our community. Extra Attic supports Goodwill and appreciates all it does for the community. Think about how you may want to participate in their success!