People ask many questions about Goodwill and its work. On this page we have answered the questions which are asked most often. We hope the answers will help you understand what Goodwill is and does.

What is the purpose of Goodwill?

Goodwill provides job training, education and employment to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, helping them to reach their fullest potential in supporting themselves and their families.

When and where did Goodwill originate?

In 1902, a young minister in Boston, Dr. Edgar J. Helms, organized a service providing employment and job training for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. His slogan was "Not charity, but a chance." In time the new organization became known as Goodwill Industries. Today Goodwill has autonomous facilities throughout the world. Each is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Who owns Goodwill?

No one. We’re a nonprofit corporation. A Board of Directors, made up of business and community leaders, oversees our agency. Our President and CEO directs our day-to-day operations.

How does Goodwill help people?

Our staff helps them discover what kind of work they would do best so they will likely be successful. We train them for work and we place people in jobs in the community or at Goodwill. In addition to employment-related programs, we assist some people with social services that help them enrich their lives.

Why don't you accept everything people want to donate?

We are unable to use everything. For example, sometimes the average cost of handling and repair is greater than the price we could get for the item. Also, some people unfortunately use Goodwill as a trash dump. This costs us precious dollars to sort and dispose of unusable materials. These dollars could provide more training for people with disabilities.

How can I contribute materials?

You can take donations to any Goodwill store or at one of our donation boxes. House pick-ups will be made from first floor locations, please call 747-0537. We ask that donations not be left unattended outside stores they can be stolen or weather damaged. Checks may be mailed to 1516 Magnavox Way. Receipts for tax deductions are available for all donations.

Does Goodwill make a profit?

To make a profit means in the traditional business sense that someone receives a dividend or monetary reward. This does not apply in the case of a non-profit organization. However, we certainly try to operate with a balanced budget, otherwise, like any other business, we could experience financial problems and even go bankrupt.

From where does Goodwill receive its financial support?

Goodwill is funded mainly through store sales of donated merchandise. Cash contributions and grants fund capital needs and special projects.

How does Goodwill benefit the community?

Goodwill serves the community in may ways. For example, many persons with disabilities who otherwise might be on welfare are earning money on which they, too, pay income taxes. They spend locally for many products and services. Goodwill is a source of trained manpower for the community. Goodwill is helping to ease the welfare burden.

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