Category: The Goodwill Blog

Every holiday season, it seems there's a new toy, game or device that has parents making a mad dash to the mall. While some of those holiday favorites live on for years, others fall by the wayside faster than you can say “Happy New Year!” Luckily, Goodwill® has been available to turn the items in your land of forgotten toys (formerly known as your basement or garage) into job training and employment services for the community. Let's take a look at some of the most memorable and sought-after holiday toys of the last 20 years and how they can make a difference today.

READ MORE from How to Turn Toys from the Past into Jobs of the Future

Earlier this month, Goodwill San Antonio (TX) and it’s community partner Starbucks celebrated Veterans Day by unveiling a mural by acclaimed artist Jesse Treviño, a veteran who painted the mural to honor the men and women who have served in the United States military.

READ MORE from Veterans Honored with Mural in San Antonio

Lee Ann Hannaford is the winner of Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut's (Bridgeport) 2015 Spirit of Inspiration Award, She discusses how she has recently been able to overcome living with a debilitating brain injury and hopes for the future.

READ MORE from My Story: Lee Ann Hannaford

How’s your holiday shopping coming? I’ve tracked down a few of my most important gifts, but there is still much to be done on my end before Christmas arrives. In an effort to save money and give thoughtful, handmade gifts, I’ve turned to Goodwill. If you’re in the same boat as me, I thought I’d share a few of my plans for this holiday season in hopes of inspiring yours.

READ MORE from Your Quest for the Perfect Gift Begins at Goodwill®

On Cyber Monday, I purchased items from Goodwill’s online retail partners. Upon delivery, I’ll remove my new items, and fill the shipping boxes with my Black Friday donations. Next, I’ll print a pre-paid shipping label at givebackbox.com . Finally, I can send the box of donations to my local Goodwill, and it will sell my donations to generate revenues which support employment, job training and other services that create strong families in my community.

READ MORE from Confessions of a Holiday “Stuff Gatekeeper”

Thanksgiving is over, so it’s now officially okay to start celebrating Christmas (if that’s your thing, anyway). It’s always been an important holiday in my family so I’m excited to throw myself into decorating, party planning, and gift buying with all the vigor of a well-rested reindeer on Christmas Eve morning. Join me, will you?

READ MORE from A Christmas Kickoff

The holidays spotlight the distinct contrasts within our communities. On one hand, there’s a great deal of consumerism and overindulgence that goes along with the activities and traditions, helping to distract us during an otherwise cold and dark season. The season starts with a day to feast and give thanks and two days to find bargains. On the other hand, there are many among us experiencing poverty. Unlike any other time of the year, the stark contrast motivates many to give back.

READ MORE from After Thanksgiving, Celebrate Your Community by Taking Part in #GivingTuesday

The Goodwill blog's career and financial advice posts have all moved to GoodProspects®, but you can still get great advice on your job search, learn about career fields and connect with virtual career mentors. Here are some recent articles published this month—read each piece, share your thoughts, and join GoodProspects to take advantage of everything at Goodwill's online career navigation portal!

READ MORE from Career and Financial Advice for November 2015

Last week, Goodwill Ambassadors – community members who volunteer and support Goodwill Manasota’s (Sarasota) work throughout the area – from the First United Methodist Church of Sarasota donated 30 turkeys and Thanksgiving baskets to the organization's Veterans Services Program. These items were provided so that area veterans could enjoy a delicious holiday meal with their families.

READ MORE from Local Church Donates Turkeys to Sarasota Goodwill’s Veterans Program

Last week, Goodwill Ambassadors – community members who volunteer and support Goodwill Manasota’s (Sarasota) work throughout the area – from the First United Methodist Church of Sarasota donated 30 turkeys and Thanksgiving baskets to the organization's Veterans Services Program. These items were provided so that area veterans could enjoy a delicious holiday meal with their families.

READ MORE from Local Church Donates Turkeys to Sarasota Goodwill's Veterans Program

Lacking an education isn’t a crime, and it surely shouldn’t result in a prison sentence. Yet, research finds that 70 percent of the U.S. prison population can’t read. They are among the 32 million people (or 14 percent of the U.S. population) that read below a basic level. This week is American Education Week, and Goodwill® understands the important connection between employment and education. People who lack education face a grim future and bleak job prospects. Meanwhile, employers seek workers that have the skills to perform the technical jobs of today and the aptitude to learn the increasingly technical jobs of tomorrow.

READ MORE from When Did Illiteracy Become a Crime?

Any time a group gets together, a lot must be planned. Add the chaos of visiting extended family to the struggle that is preparing a Thanksgiving meal and the stress compounds. Take heart though, because there are a lot of little things you can do to prepare that don’t have to be expensive or time consuming! While your holiday plans are likely pared down this year, we still have some suggestions to help ease your stress.

READ MORE from 3 UNIQUE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR THANKSGIVING EASIER THIS YEAR