Families can support neighbors struggling with pandemic-related job searched by buying sustainably at Goodwill
Vermont Business Magazine We’ve all spent a lot of time in our pajamas in the last 16 months since the pandemic began. Children are getting ready for in-school learning, which makes this back-to-school shopping season unique and historic. Gone are the days of lounging in front of virtual classrooms in well-worn t-shirts and sweats. Kids are ready to show off their personalities to the world, and they long outgrew the clothes from the 2019 school year. There’s no better place to find unique outfits and distinctive school supplies than at Goodwill.
Whether it’s vintage t-shirts and sneakers, retro ’90s throwback gear, or modern brand-name items, the whole family can have fun browsing the aisles at Goodwill on a back-to-school treasure hunt, mixing and matching the perfect pieces for each family member. Beyond clothes and shoes, Vermont Goodwill stores are filled with new school supplies, too, from markers and notebooks to musical instruments, lunchboxes, water bottles and more — all at lower prices than you’ll find when buying new at a big box store.
“We’ve all become very conscious of consumption during the pandemic,” said Kossi Gamedah, the Senior Vice President of Goodwill’s Retail Operations. “Parents and kids have all had a lot of time to think about what they really need and want. Goodwill’s diverse selection of clothing and goods allows everyone in your family to pick out items that suit their personalities, while knowing they’re helping the planet by diverting items from landfills. And, bonus points, they are also contributing to their communities by creating job and career opportunities for their neighbors.”
Revenues from Goodwill stores help fund programs that train people for careers in industries such as banking, IT and healthcare, to name a few. The sales of donations also provide the supportive services people need to be successful, such as English language training, additional education, and access to transportation and childcare. Last year, more than 28,000 people in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont got jobs or career training with Goodwill’s help.
Families can have even more impact by donating clothing, school supplies and household goods that kids have outgrown. At a time when so many people here in Vermont are seeking opportunities to get back to work, shopping at and donating to your local Goodwill is more important than ever.
Visit GoodwillNNE.org to find your nearest Goodwill store or donation center.
Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit social enterprise in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Profits from its 30 thrift stores support its mission to help people achieve independence and personal stability. Goodwill NNE’s programs include workforce training programs, 23 group homes that support adults with disabilities, active community supports for adults with disabilities, AmeriCorps programs and two business-cleaning services. Goodwill NNE operates two brain injury clinics to help people get back to their lives after a brain injury. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.