COMMUNITY CORNER
From Charity to Careers: How Donations Change Lives By Kim Praniewicz While the economic impact of the pandemic can still be felt here in Central Florida, the pace of recovery is picking up: Theme parks are returning to full operation, hotels are reaching capacity, and restaurants are serving more diners. As that happens, there’s an opportunity to reconnect thousands of Floridians with new jobs and opportunities.
nation center. Our team will check to see if we’re able to refurbish it. If not, we’ll recycle the batteries safely.
ductible — and digital. At drop-off, you’ll be asked if What you might not know you want a tracking ticket is that there’s a surprisingly that includes directions to simple way you can help set up an online account make that happen: The • Donating is fast and con- – which means no more next time you reorganize or venient. If you’re a firsthoarding paper receipts. redecorate the house, pencil time donor, you might When it’s time to do your in a trip to Goodwill. envision waiting in line or year-end tax deduction, just lugging heavy boxes. But log in to our Donor Portal Consider these reasons that all you have to do is pull and view your complete make donating a win-win: up to our drop-off area, and donation history. our team will bring a cart • Goodwill welcomes much right to your car, making it While donating clothing more than just clothes. possible to donate a whole and household goods to While we’ll gladly take trunkful of items in just a your local Goodwill might those gently used coats, few minutes. not seem like much, the sweaters or shoes, don’t reality is that it translates to stop reorganizing at the • It’s good for the environ- more resources and jobs for bedroom closet. Our doment. Donating your lightly neighbors in need. Shopnation centers also accept used belongings gives them ping at our stores is equally sporting goods, tools, lawn a new lease on life, keeping important because ninety equipment (with gasoline cents out of every dollar in them out of landfills and removed), books, toys, sales will go directly to our effectively cutting their DVDs, dishes, luggage, dec- carbon footprint in half. On nonprofit services – and orations and a wide range right now, that can do more top of that, Goodwill does of furniture. good than ever. its part to reduce our own environmental impact by • Goodwill accepts some Consider all the ways that recycling cardboard, plasbroken electronics. If your tics and other items. funding goes back to the computer, laptop or cell community: Through Projphone goes kaput, feel free • Your donation is tax-deect COMPASS, revenue to bring it to a Goodwill do-
from stores goes to provide one-on-one academic support and life skills education to high school students who are at risk of dropping out. At our vocational rehabilitation program, people facing obstacles to employment can gain on-the-job skills training and experience. Meanwhile, our virtual Job Connection Center offers services ranging from interview practice to certification programs, connecting thousands of Central Floridians with work every year. The bottom line? While Central Florida is dealing with plenty of labor challenges, your donations are part of the solution. Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, Goodwill has been able to serve this community for more than 60 years – and we look forward to continuing to pursue our mission for many years to come. Kim Praniewicz is the vice president of marketing and mission advancement for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.
August Resident of the Month - Jenny Harvey Congratulations, Jenny! Jenny has been nominated multiple times by other residents of the Avalon Park community for her commendable profession as a wonderful teacher. Jenny is an awesome, caring and dedicated teacher. She is often referred to as “the best teacher ever” by many current and past students and their families. Jenny is the perfect resident to spotlight this month as the school year is about to begin! Congratulations again and thank you for all you do!
