Full Circle

From Closet to Checkout, Goodwill Changes Lives

BY ARNOLD SANCHEZ

If you’ve ever dropped off a box of donations at your local Goodwill, you might have wondered what happens to the items after you hand them over. Where will they go? Who will buy them? How much will they sell for, and where will that money go?

In fact, you might be surprised to learn how far your donation goes.

Step One: The Drop-off.

After a long day of cleaning out closets, Meredith brings her box of donations — lightly used clothes, some home décor and toys — to a nearby Goodwill center. It’s a quick trip: She’s finished in the time it takes to unload two boxes.

Although she might not realize it, her donation is already making an impact. Instead of going to a landfill, the items will be purchased by local buyers — reducing waste and offsetting the environmental footprint of buying new. In Central Florida alone, Goodwill diverts 16 million pounds of waste from landfills every year.

Step Two: Behind the Scenes.

Growing up with a learning disability, Erik was regularly told what he couldn’t do. Tasks that were simple for most people — interviewing for a job or working five days a week — were considered impossible for him.

But when he was referred to vocational rehabilitation at Goodwill, he met a caring team of counselors who helped him challenge those limits. Now a donation processor, he enjoys a flexible workload, accessible accommodations, and the dignity and independence of a meaningful career.

When Meredith drops off her donations, Erik and his team will check for any damage. Items in good condition will be sorted, priced and sent to local stores. Any items that can’t be accepted will be safely disposed of or recycled if possible. Those include fuel, batteries and certain electronics.

Step Three: In the Store Aisles.

Layla, a new college student, wants to add some personality to her dorm room without breaking her budget. When she heads to the local Goodwill to shop for deals, a colorful throw pillow donated by Meredith catches her eye. It’s just what she was looking for. As Layla heads to the register, she can’t help but smile.

Step Four: After Checkout.

It’s been tough for Greg to find work. He applied for multiple jobs without success until someone recommended that he contact Goodwill’s virtual Job Connection team.

Thanks to Meredith’s donation and Layla’s purchase, Goodwill is able to provide free career counseling to any Central Floridian looking for work. For Greg, that means partnering with a trained specialist who can help him finetune his resumé, practice interviewing and connect with employers in his field. That support pays off: After months of searching, Greg gets a job where he knows he will make a difference.

Dropping off a box at Goodwill is a quick, convenient stop on Meredith’s daily commute. For Erik, Goodwill is a career that lets him polish his professional skills and give back to the community. Layla sees Goodwill as a chance to find great deals on everything from stylish dorm décor to professional clothes for her next internship to furniture for a new apartment. For Greg, Goodwill offers help, support and a chance at a brighter future.

To learn more, visit www.goodwillcfl.org.

Arnold Sanchez is vice president of Retail and Donated Goods at Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.