Not All Thrift Stores Celebrate Non-Profit Day | CEO Column

When it comes to thrift stores, not all are created equal. On August 17, two national observances take place that speak to the heart of what Goodwill does – National Thrift Shop Day and National Nonprofit Day. Together, these two observances create an opportunity for Goodwill San Antonio, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit, to showcase how every donation and purchase at our stores directly strengthens our community by providing free career training, employment placement services, and life-changing opportunities for the people we serve.

For many, Goodwill is their preferred store to donate gently used items, thrift affordable items, hunt for unique treasures, or shop sustainably. What they may not realize though is that their donations and dollars are changing lives.

At Goodwill, 90 cents of every dollar generated directly supports our mission of Changing Lives Through the Power of Work. Annually, we are able to help thousands of individuals achieve gainful employment. Whether helping individuals with resume building, job placement, enrolling in a career training program, or giving them a second chance to work at Goodwill, our purpose goes beyond the operation of 26 stores across our region.

Behind every number is a story. A story of someone who trusted Goodwill to help them take an important step toward building a stronger future for themselves and their family. Those stories are what make Goodwill more than a store.

Every time you walk through the doors of one of our stores, you are stepping into a place where people are empowered to succeed. Our team members are our mission. They are individuals who have overcome barriers to employment, and for many, Goodwill was the first organization to believe in their potential and provide an opportunity to succeed.

Hiring someone who struggled to find employment is just the first step.  At Goodwill, we aim to provide the best opportunities for individuals to be successful.  Thanks to the community’s generosity, we are able to provide competitive wages, life-skills counseling, professional development training, and a supportive environment where team members can grow, thrive, and build lasting careers.

This National Thrift Shop Day and National Nonprofit Day, we invite you to be a part of our story. By donating to and shopping at your local Goodwill, you help create opportunities that transform lives. Together, we can continue our collective impact of changing lives through the power of work—right here in our community.

Carlos J. Contreras III is President & CEO at Goodwill San Antonio

Read the original column here.