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Goodwill Honors Founder’s Day with Special Events and Community Celebrations

Augusta, GA – Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA proudly honors the legacy of its visionary founder, Reverend Edgar James Helms, as we celebrate his 162nd birthday on January 19, 2025. Dr. Helms, an innovator and social entrepreneur, championed the transformative power of work—an enduring mission that Goodwill continues by helping individuals unlock their potential through education, career training, and employment services.

Founder’s Week Celebration
From January 17–26, 2025, Goodwill invites the community to take part in exclusive promotions and events across its retail stores and Edgar’s Hospitality Group venues.

Goodwill Retail Celebration
Mark your calendars for a meaningful shopping and giving opportunity on January 18 and 19. Anyone who donates gently used items at a local Goodwill donation center on these dates will receive a $10 coupon toward purchases of $20 or more. Your donations will not only honor Dr. Helms’ vision—breathing new life into donated goods—but they also funds vital job training, career services, and education programs that uplift individuals and families in our community.

Edgar’s Hospitality Group Specials
Goodwill’s social enterprises, Edgar’s Grille, Edgar’s Above Broad, and Edgar’s Bakehouse, will showcase Boston-inspired culinary specials to pay tribute to the city where Goodwill was founded:

  • Edgar’s Bakehouse: Indulge in a slice of Boston Cream Pie for $6 or take home a whole pie for $14.
  • Edgar’s Grille: Savor Oysters Rockefeller (lunch/dinner) and Yankee Pot Roast (Sunday brunch), inspired by classic New England flavors.
  • Edgar’s Above Broad: Enjoy a Lobster Roll for $12, available Tuesday through Friday, January 21–24.
As a token of appreciation, guests dining at Edgar’s Grille or Edgar’s Above Broad between January 17–26 will receive a $5 coupon toward their next visit with a $20+ purchase (valid through March 31, 2025).By shopping at Goodwill stores or dining at Edgar’s Hospitality venues, you directly support life-changing career training and education programs, continuing Dr. Helms’ mission of economic opportunity and empowerment right here in the CSRA. Join us in celebrating Founder’s Day—where every donation, purchase, and meal helps build new lives, one career at a time. For more information, visit www.goodwillworks.org or www.edgarshospitalitygroup.com.
About Dr. Edgar J. Helms
Born near Malone, NY, on January 19, 1863, Helms initially pursued careers in law and newspaper publishing before answering the call to ministry. In 1889, he enrolled in Boston University Theological School and later took charge of Morgan Chapel, a struggling inner-city mission in Boston’s South End. There, he witnessed the harsh realities faced by newly arrived immigrants who lacked access to jobs, housing, and basic necessities. Determined to create sustainable solutions, Helms began collecting donated goods from Boston’s wealthiest neighborhoods and hired individuals in need—many considered unemployable—to refurbish and resell these items. In 1902, Goodwill Industries was born, built on the principles of self-sufficiency and dignity through work. Unlike traditional charities, Helms’ model provided people with wages and opportunity rather than handouts.By 1920, there were 15 Goodwill organizations across the U.S., and Helms expanded his mission globally, traveling to Australia, China, Japan, Egypt, and beyond to spread the Goodwill model. He believed that every individual, regardless of background or ability, deserved the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. In 1941, he famously stated:
“Friends of Goodwill, be dissatisfied with your work until every handicapped and unfortunate person in your community has an opportunity to develop to his fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living.”Helms passed away on December 23, 1942, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and innovation. Today, Goodwill Industries honors his vision by continuing to provide workforce development programs that help individuals achieve self-sufficiency and success.

About Goodwill of Middle Georgia
Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 charity, builds lives, families, and communities one career at a time by helping people develop their God-given gifts through education, work, and career services. More than 86 cents of every dollar of Goodwill revenue underwrites job training and placement services within the agency’s 35-county service delivery area. Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. is accountable to a local Board of Directors, belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. To learn more about the services and individuals Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. serves, visit www.goodwillworks.org.
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