Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate my stuff?
Goodwill offers convenient drive-up drop off donation sites throughout the region. Click the button below to find the drop off location nearest you.
Why should I donate to my local Goodwill rather than another thrift store?
Goodwill retail stores help fund a great cause — helping people build skills, find a job and grow their careers! Further, all proceeds from the sale of donated goods are reinvested right here in your own community.
For-profit thrift stores sometimes arrange to use a charity’s name to collect donations in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of the revenue. Often this deal is not generally publicized, and the percentage that charity actually makes may be less than 5 cents for every dollar spent and rarely stays. Make your donations wisely!
What happens to donated items that aren’t sold at Goodwill stores?
Our goal is to help fund Goodwill’s career and training programs from every item that is donated. So, once donated, the goods are sorted, priced and placed in our retail stores. After four weeks in the store, items are marked down to 50% off. If they don’t sell by the end of the fourth week, the items are either transported to our outlet store where they are sold by the pound or sold to third-party salvage vendors.
If I shop at a Goodwill store, will I be depriving other people of stuff they need?
No! You’ll actually be funding invaluable education, training and job placement programs that are offered FREE of charge to anyone in the community. By becoming gainfully employed, these individuals gain resources to buy the things they need. Many disadvantaged people who are in training or are employed by Goodwill are offered vouchers or discounts at Goodwill retail stores.
Who does Goodwill help?
Goodwill serves anyone in the community, but particularly those with barriers to employment. This includes individuals with disabilities, people with limited work history, those who have experienced corporate downsizing and recipients of government support programs. Goodwill’s services are designed to meet the training and placement needs of the individual.
Does Goodwill offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Contact the Goodwill career center nearest you to learn about volunteer opportunities in your community
What are Goodwill’s administrative costs?
Our administrative costs are 9.8%, while the other 90.2% of revenue goes right back in the community to help fund our mission of helping people through the power of work.
Does Goodwill publish an annual report?
Yes! Goodwill publishes an annual report and their financial documents every year.