The Gift That Gives Twice: How to Give Back at Goodwill This Holiday Season
The holidays are right around the corner, bringing a schedule packed with guests, good food and plenty of preparation. Give yourself the gift of a clear mind before the festivities, and start the new year feeling organized by decluttering and donating to Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. When you donate clothing, toys, books or household items, you’re giving back in two important ways. You create more space and less stress at home. Your donated items support Goodwill’s local job training, skill-building, and employment services that help people move forward in their careers. It’s a small step with a big community…
Get Lost in the Gallows of Goodwill This Halloween
There’s nothing scarier than showing up to a Halloween party without a costume. Have no fear; Goodwill is here to help! Spook-tacular contest-winning costumes come to life at Goodwill every year. It’s where flannels are turned into a scarecrow’s everyday attire, black dresses transform into a witch’s wardrobe and ruffled blouses complete the look for any stylish pirate. “Goodwill stores are a treasure trove of unique items,” said Cathrine Marston, director of retail store support. “Shoppers can find one-of-a-kind clothing pieces and accessories that spark creativity.” What makes thrifting at Goodwill for Halloween truly magical is the unpredictability of each…
A Second Chance at Life: How Career Navigation Services Supported Ronald Brooks in Finding A Job After 30 Years
For Ronald Brooks, January marked more than just the start of a new year; it marked the beginning of a brand-new life. After being incarcerated for 27 years, Brooks found himself in an unfamiliar world. Technology had changed, job applications had moved online and the process of reentering society felt overwhelming. But everything began to shift the day he attended a local job fair at the Berglund Center. Encouraged by a friend’s daughter to attend, Brooks decided to take a chance and put himself out there. “We made resumes and passed them out to all the businesses there,” he recalled.…
Give Your Good: The Journey of Your Donation
When you donate to Goodwill, you’re doing more than clearing out space in your home: You’re creating opportunities for people in your community to thrive. At Goodwill, we are driven by our mission to help individuals find employment, build independence and overcome barriers to success. Give Your Good. It’s a simple phrase, but it carries so much meaning. Whether it’s a bag of clothes, household items or toys — your donation fuels programs that change lives. When you walk into a Goodwill Store or Donation Center, you’re greeted by staff who are passionate about what they do. Goodwill employees are…
More to Our Store-y: How My Career Advisor is Kickstarting Careers in Virginia
What was your first job? Was it mowing your neighbor’s lawn, babysitting young relatives, or swirling soft serve at your local ice cream parlor? No one is born with work experience. We all have to start somewhere. Goodwill Industries of the Valleys recognizes everyone has unique abilities, talents, and interests. Our career support team works with our community every day to provide resources that help job seekers find employment, maybe even for the first time. As a recent high school graduate, Connor Hall knew he wanted to start the job-search process. He reached out to Goodwill and enrolled in the…
More to Our Store-y: 5 Reasons to Donate to Goodwill
Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has long been a cornerstone of community support, offering far more than just a place to donate unwanted items. As a nonprofit organization with a rich history dating back to 1931, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of society while maintaining its core mission of empowering individuals through employment opportunities. Today, Goodwill stands as a multifaceted organization that not only provides affordable shopping options but also serves as a vital economic driver, sustainability champion, and community builder. In this blog post, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why donating…
More to Our Store-y: Mindy Boyd, Chief Operations Officer
More to Our Store-y: Mindy Boyd Celebrates 20 Years at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys Mindy Boyd’s career at Goodwill began with moving to Roanoke in 1990 to pursue studies at Radford University. Originally trained to work in the medical field, Mindy opted for a change and committed to managing Goodwill’s Christiansburg store for what she anticipated would be a brief stint of six months. Little did she know this decision would shape her future profoundly. Q: You got your start at Goodwill as a store manager. What was it like switching from the medical field to Goodwill’s retail setting…
More to Our Store-y: Oliver Blaney, Store Manager
Oliver Blaney’s journey with Goodwill Industries of the Valleys showcases his growth from a part-time processor to a seasoned manager, and his passion for our mission. Q: When did you start your career with Goodwill Industries of the Valleys? A: I started with Goodwill back in 2014 as a part-time processor at the Orange Avenue location here in Roanoke. Initially, I saw Goodwill as just a thrift store, but as I got more involved, I learned about all the community programs and the mission it supports. Over the years, I’ve moved up from part-time roles to becoming a store manager,…
More to Our Store-y: Brenda Young, Donated Goods Processor
In the heart of Daleville, Virginia, Brenda Young has been a cornerstone of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys for more than 15 years. Her journey from the restaurant industry to retail exemplifies dedication and a deep commitment to both her role at the Daleville store and her community. Q: Can you tell us how long you’ve been with Goodwill? A: I’ve been with Goodwill Industries of the Valleys for about 15 years. I started at the Melrose location and then moved to the Daleville store about 10 years ago. Q: That’s quite a tenure! What initially drew you to Goodwill?…
More to Our Store-y: Daniel Breen, Baler
Daniel Breen’s journey in his own words from living on the streets to obtaining stability and independence with his job at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. How did you start working at Goodwill, and how has your journey been since joining the organization in 2017? A: I began working at Goodwill thanks to an opportunity from the Rescue Mission of Roanoke, where I was staying at the time. I enjoyed the job and was eventually hired full time. Since then, my life has changed dramatically. I’ve moved from homelessness to having my own apartment, which is a big achievement for…
