Your Things Start New Lives.
Every item you donate or purchase at Goodwill means opportunity for thousands of people throughout Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area. Read more about your impact and six of those stories below.
WARREN
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Warren’s life in many ways, including being laid off from his previous job. Together, Warren and his sister, Camy, went to Goodwill to explore new careers in technology. After participating in and completing a technology training certification program, Warren earned his IT professional certification and went on to apply for and earn a great new job as an IT consultant.
KIM
Kim came to Goodwill Columbus looking for her next best job. Despite having no prior experience in the field, Kim began taking IT classes through the Workforce Development program. With hard work and dedication, Kim completed her IT courses and started a full-time career as a team member in the eCommerce department. Today, Kim is working toward the next step in her career and taking more free courses at Goodwill Columbus.
JOHNNY
Earlier in life, Johnny went to prison which limited his employment opportunities. Prior to coming to Goodwill to work as a yard driver, he moved from job to job without a true career path or goal. With the support of Goodwill, Jimmy was able to receive training, job coaching, interview practice, and other forms of preparation which helped him pursue and earn a great job with Hilti North America.
LAKIESHIA
LaKieshia is a single mother of four, previously working two minimum-wage jobs to provide the basics for her family. She struggled because she earned too much to qualify for social support programs but not enough to independently help herself. After completing a computer and financial literacy program at Goodwill, she was applied to and was hired for a position at Goodwill, considering her career move to be “the best decision of [her] life.”
ALBERTO
Alberto has been a Goodwill associate for nearly 15 years within the AbilityOne program. His kindness, hard work and attention to detail have been recognized and commended by his team and have helped create a strong relationship leadership at Ft. Stewart where he works. In 2021, Alberto received an award for his accomplishments and work ethic from a local organization dedicated to honoring those with disabilities in the workforce.
ROSA
Despite being actively employed, Rosa struggled to support her family as the sole provider for her five grandchildren. Determined to find a better opportunity to provide for her family, Rosa looked to Goodwill and has proved herself to be a hard-working, capable team member. Working at Goodwill has allowed her to support her grandkids and still spend time with her family.
HOW YOUR DONATIONS CREATE NEW LIVES
When you donate to Goodwill, your clothing, kitchenware, appliances, furniture, toys or other household goods help provide jobs and free job training services for thousands of Georgians each year.
Each donated item is sorted, priced and processed for the sales floor by a Goodwill employee — many of whom sought Goodwill’s help to overcome a disability or other barrier to employment.
Revenue generated through the sale of donated items supports Goodwill’s community-based employment and Helms College. Thanks to you, each year thousands of people across Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area receive free assistance in obtaining a job, a better job or a career.
The bottom line? When you donate to Goodwill, you invest in the futures of people across your community.
In the last five years, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia & the CSRA served 69,455 people, placed 28,079 people into competitive employment, and had a $952 million positive economic impact on the 35 counties it serves.
What's your donation worth?
Based on IRS regulations, it’s up to donors to document the value of their donations.
Follow these three steps each time you donate to ensure you have complete records at tax time:
1. Create a list of all the items donated.
2. Refer to a Suggested Value List Guide.
3. Record what each item is worth.
