WHY DOESN’T GOODWILL GIVE THINGS AWAY?

Goodwill’s founder, Reverend Edgar J. Helms, discovered that giving people a hand up, not a handout, resulted in a person feeling more dignity and self-worth. Our purpose is to help individuals with disabilities or other challenges improve their lives by earning a paycheck and finding a path out of poverty. We do this by employing people in our stores and by helping people find career paths with community and employer partners. Revenue from the sale of donated items supports this mission.

While are not a disaster relief agency, we recognize there are occasional instances when we can be helpful to individuals or families in emergency situations. We proudly partner with Community Action Kentucky (CAK), an agency with offices in every Kentucky county. CAK administers our voucher program so we can provide free resources for Kentuckians who need appropriate interview or work attire or who have experienced some other type of emergency in their lives and have immediate needs. For more information about this program, contact your local Community Action Agency.

WHAT DOES GOODWILL DO WITH MONEY MADE AT THE STORES?

Our stores serve a dual purpose:

First, they are employment and training sites for people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds or other challenges. For many of our employees, Goodwill is a stepping stone. It’s a chance for them to get work experience, build their skills and move on to an even better opportunity.

Second, our stores generate revenue that pays for employment and career path services for job seekers across Kentucky who face barriers in finding and keeping a job.

WHAT TYPES OF DONATIONS DOES GOODWILL ACCEPT?

Goodwill accepts new or gently used clothing, household items, décor, jewelry, accessories, books, movies, music, furniture, dishes, cookware, toys and much more.

CAN I SCHEDULE A PICK-UP?

In partnership with ReSupply – an organization with a mission to ease the process of donating to charities and nonprofits – we recently announced donation pickup services for our stores in Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville, Corbin, Central City, Murray and Mayfield. Click here to schedule a priority pickup.

Learn more by tapping the “Donation Pickup” button on the right side of your screen.

WHY ARE PRICES DIFFERENT FROM STORE TO STORE?

Most items are priced in a standard way. However, items such as décor, furniture and housewares vary so much in type, quality and size that it is difficult to set standard prices. Local store management are permitted to use their discretion in pricing non-standard items. Goodwill is committed to reasonable pricing based on consumer trends.

WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?

While most of our customers love their Goodwill finds — and some even donate them back to us! — we understand that sometimes things just don’t work out. You’re welcome to bring them back for store credit within 10 days.