PULSE / Featured Cause
Good News from Goodwill interviewed by: Chris Harrison
ably donated unwanted items, shopped in their retail stores, or know someone who has. But did you know the nonprofit also offers voca- tional services that help local residents find jobs? That’s because pro- ceeds from Goodwill’s retail stores fund free community programs, specifically designed to help people with disabilities or other barri- ers to employment find steady work and become more independent and self-sufficient. “Eighty-five percent of our program funding comes from the
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revenue we generate selling donated goods,” says Kirsten O’Donnell, director of public relations and marketing for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. “We get some support from agencies like the United Way, and some grants – and we’re grateful for those. But re- ally, the main way to help is through our stores.” The local Goodwill affiliate services Collier, Lee, Charlotte,
Hendry and Glades counties with 25 retail stores, 13 Job-Link Cen- ters and one car lot. In 2011, more than 23,000 local residents utilized the nonprofit’s services – 9,000 of which visited the Job-Link Centers. “Job-Link Centers provide computers for online job searches,
plus we help our clients create resumes, apply for unemployment or other assistance, and offer job-hunting advice,” says O’Donnell. “Some Centers are equipped to offer referrals to our partner organi- zations in the community as well, because, let’s face it, if you need a job, you might also need emergency food assistance, help paying your bills, or with childcare. Goodwill doesn’t just want to help the individual – we want to strengthen their families – so we try to con- nect people with other agencies that can help them.” In addition to the Job-Link Center, Goodwill offers a range of
programs including youth mentoring, career exploration, transporta- tion assistance and property management for people with disabili- ties. The nonprofit also operates Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy, a charter school for students with intellectual disabilities, and runs 13 apart- ment complexes for people with physical disabilities.
36 | Pulse Magazine SWFL ost people know about Goodwill. In fact, you’ve prob-
Who knew that donating last season’s wardrobe could do so
much? And Goodwill accepts more than just clothes – the donations can be just about anything, including computers (which are serviced by Dell and Microsoft for security) – and even cars, trucks, RVs and motorcycles. O’Donnell adds that the tax advantages are pretty sig- nificant for vehicle donations, and that Goodwill will even pick up the vehicles and tow them away. Serving as a depository for unwanted items also provides some
interesting donation stories. “Once, someone tried to donate a heli- copter at our car lot! We graciously declined. At the Daniels Pkwy location in Fort Myers, Goodwill received a collection of 50 years of Playboy Magazine. I don’t think there was a single issue miss- ing,” says O’Donnell. “Many times, the true value of a donated item isn’t realized until somebody tells us later... they discover what was thought to be costume jewelery is actually a real pearl necklace or that the rhinestone brooch they purchased has real diamonds!” The nonprofit credits the community’s generosity for continu-
ing to donate, even while the economy struggled over the past few years. Goodwill adapted by expanding, updating many of its dona- tion centers to include drive-up/drop-off accessibility and added new attended centers and trailers. “We wanted to make it easier to donate, so when people were ready, we’d be ready,” adds O’Donnell. So what about today? “I’m happy to say that, with the exception of vehicles, all other donations are back up to pre-recession levels. I’m no expert on the economy, but when people start donating again, it’s probably a good sign for all of us. We’re still waiting for car donations to start up again though!” So, how can you help? In addition to donations, Goodwill’s
charitable foundation accepts financial contributions. The nonprofit also holds two annual fundraisers: The Festival of Trees and the Tux & Trees Gala. Volunteering opportunities are available and vary from helping in the stores to manning events. For more information, visit
www.goodwillswfl.org.
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