Thursday, June 30, 2011

Thursday Thrift: Goodwill Inc.

Goodwill is a cornerstone of many communities. There has been one in every town that I have resided. My grandma used to drag me to several across the county every Saturday. If I could, I would visit a few every Saturday now.
Goodwill Inc. is non-profit organization that uses their funds for job training, employment placement, and other community-based programs for the disabled, less-educated, inexperienced, and jobless. They  operate over 2,500 stores in 16 countries. According to Wikipedia, they began as Morgan Mission in 1902 when Reverend Edgar J. Helms and his congregation collected discarded items and hired unemployed individuals to mend those items. The refurbished items were then given away to the needy (often the same individuals that mended them). Goodwill Industries was officially branded in 1915.
According to Goodwill's website, their mission is:
Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
They strive to give everyone the opportunity to reach their potential and live a fulfilling life. Their branded values are respect, stewardship, ethics, learning, and innovation.
During my research, I was happy to note that Goodwill opened a temporary store specifically designed to hire transgendered people in 2010 through a partnership with Transgendered Economic Empowerment Initiative. The San Francisco store closed in 2011 after the employees were transferred to stores around the greater San Francisco area.
You can get involved with this organization by donating money and goods, volunteering, shopping at one of their many stores, and advocating for them. Check their website (link above) to get find out more.
Oh yeah, they are a Green company too!

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