CEO Column | Goodwill San Antonio: Standing Strong with Kerr County

At Goodwill San Antonio, our mission is rooted in service—and that begins by helping those who need us most in the areas we serve. Our hearts are with the families and individuals of Kerrville and across Kerr County who were recently affected by the devastating floods. As the community continues to provide disaster relief, Goodwill is stepping up to lend a hand.  

Since opening our Kerrville store on July 23, 2015, Goodwill has been deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. Our employees live in Kerr County—raising families, attending schools, contributing to the local economy, and sharing in the rhythms of daily life with surrounding neighbors. When disaster struck, the impact was personal. Goodwill rallied to support our team members and anyone affected, acting swiftly with urgency and care.  

In less than 24 hours from the day of flooding, Goodwill was activated as an official community partner of the American Red Cross to begin accepting donations in support of flood relief efforts. Our Kerrville store became a temporary donation collection station, receiving more than 30 tons of essential items from across the country within a matter of days. A flood relief pantry was established onsite to provide non-perishable food items, clothing, shoes, household items, and other necessities—all at no cost to those affected by the floods. We immediately began distributing needed items to affected families, first responders, and volunteers.  

Due to overwhelming support through in-kind donations and in partnership with the American Red Cross, we have now expanded our relief efforts with the opening of a Goodwill Donation Distribution Center located at 827 Junction Highway, Suite 831, Kerrville, TX 78028. As of July 23, this Distribution Center and our Kerrville store have served over 1,800 individuals and distributed more than 13,000 items. 

While we are no longer accepting flood relief donations, the Distribution Center will continue to offer access to free, donated clothing, shoes, and household goods for up to ninety days. Community members impacted by the floods are encouraged to visit during normal operating hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Goodwill is dedicating all proceeds raised through our “Round Up” program toward the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. From July 10 through August 10, shoppers at all 24 Goodwill San Antonio stores are encouraged to round up their purchases in support of flood relief efforts. 

As Kerr County continues to heal, Goodwill will remain present and engaged, helping individuals and families on their journey to recovery. We invite you to join us by volunteering or sharing this effort with others. To learn more, please visit our Flood Relief webpage at www.goodwillsa.org/flood-relief 

Our collective efforts would not be possible without our partners at the American Red Cross, San Antonio Food Bank, Salvation Army, Hill Country Daily Bread, Texas Department of Emergency Management, and the Chambers of Boerne, Comfort, and Kerrville, among others. We are grateful to them for coming together to provide resources, comfort, and relief for those affected. 

I am particularly proud of and grateful for our Goodwill team, who volunteered their time to make this effort possible. 

Carlos J. Contreras III 

President & CEO, Goodwill San Antonio 

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