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Goodwill Industries of NWO

Dec 23 2025
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Goodwill is coming to Sylvania!

By Uncategorized

Toledo, Ohio – December 9, 2025 – Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio will open its 16th retail store in early, 2026 at 7504 W. Central Ave. (former Rite Aid). The store will feature a modern shopping experience and a convenient donation process.

“Our stores are more than great places to shop—they help fund workforce development programs that assist individuals overcome barriers to employment,” said Amy Wachob, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio.

“We’re proud to bring this store to a community that shaped us,” said Tim Kralovic, VP of Donated Goods Retail. “As Sylvania Schools alumni, Amy Wachob and I have worked diligently to secure the right location. Our goal is to deliver a first-class donation drive-thru and a shopping experience that offers something fresh and exciting with every visit—capturing the true thrill of the hunt.”

The 14,000-square-foot location will support Goodwill’s mission of providing workforce development programs for people with disabilities or other challenges. In 2025, Goodwill will serve more than 9,500 individuals through job readiness and training initiatives.

Oct 24 2025
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Shop Smart at Goodwill: 5 Thrift Tips for Finding the Best Deals

By Retail Stores

Visit often. At Goodwill, no two thrift trips are alike. Because our employees place new items on the sales floor every 30 minutes, every day, even back-to-back visits to the same Goodwill location can be unique. With fifteen Goodwill stores in NW Ohio, open seven days a week, the possibilities are multiplied!

Make a plan & bring a friend. Goodwill sells almost any good-condition item you can find in your home, which means our inventory is large and diverse. Before you set foot in our store, know the purpose of your trip and plan accordingly. Decorating your new apartment? Head straight to our furniture and wares sections. Thrifting a formal outfit? Search our racks of dresses, blazers, slacks, shoes.  Looking for a fun way to pass the time with friends? Bring your bestie for an afternoon of thrifting, you can cover double the ground in the same amount of time!

Get creative. You don’t need to have Martha Stewart skills to upcycle something from Goodwill. Look for items you can repurpose, upcycle or use for DIY projects.  With a little bit of creativity, you can transform a teapot into a planter, a basket into wall décor, or a pair of jeans into a dog toy. Visit our Pinterest boards for more ideas.

Shop outside your section. Remember that sizes vary from brand to brand, and there are a range of styles within both women’s and men’s clothing. Plus, mixing styles, colors and cuts is an easy way to update your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Use the one-in, one-out rule. Every time you visit Goodwill, set a goal to donate at least as many items as you buy. Not only does donating reduce household clutter, but it also supports Goodwill’s programs and services that help local job seekers gain the skills they need for employment. Goodwill makes donating easy by accepting items at all NW Ohio locations.

Happy Hunting!

Oct 21 2025
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Program Beautifies Toledo & Empowers Youth

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Workforce Development

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, the City of Toledo, and Mr. Snow Removal and Lawncare launched an intergenerational initiative to reduce neighborhood blight and prevent youth violence. Seniors and residents with disabilities in Junction, Englewood, and LaGrange/North End receive free lawn care, while youth ages 14–24 gain paid job training and life skills through the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE). The participants also are receiving job coaching and career development support through Goodwill, and will receive training in Rewire CBT through MONSE. Together, we’re building safer, stronger communities—one lawn at a time.

Learn more about the programs that Goodwill offers: https://www.goodwillnwohio.com/mission-services/

Oct 16 2025
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GoodwillNow DIY Halloween Costume Contest-Thrift or Treat 2025

By Uncategorized

DIY Costume Contest #ThriftorTreat2025

It’s the Spookiest time of the year! Halloween! We want to see your creativity shine! Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio is hosting a DIY Costume Contest where you can show off your spookiest, funniest, or most original looks, while giving thrifted finds a second life and individuals in your community a second chance.

Here’s how to enter your creative costume:

How to Enter

  1. Create your costume using at least 2–3 items purchased from Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio store locations.
  2. Take a photo of your receipts; you’ll need them to verify your entry.
  3. Have someone take a photo of you in your finished costume.
  4. Share your photo through Nov 2nd by:
    • Posting on Facebook and tag us @GoodwillNow OR
    • Post it on Instagram, and tag us @GoodwillNow
    • Must use the hashtag #ThriftorTreat2025
    • Explain the items that you found at Goodwill in your post.
  5. Follow @GoodwillNow on both Facebook and Instagram.
  6. MAKE SURE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA IS SET TO PUBLIC SO WE CAN FIND YOU.

Contest Details

  • Opens: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
  • Closes: Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, at 12:00 AM
  • Judging: Goodwill NW Ohio staff will select winners based on creativity and originality.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $100 Goodwill gift card
  • 2nd Place: $50 Goodwill gift card
  • 3rd Place: $25 Goodwill gift card

Rules & Guidelines

  • Entries must be submitted between October 8 and November 2 at 12:00 AM.
  • Participants under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian submit their entry.
  • Crafting pieces into your costume is allowed, but you must use 2-3 pieces from Goodwill (whether it is clothing or craft supplies).
  • All entries must be appropriate for all audiences. Goodwill NW Ohio reserves the right to remove any inappropriate submissions.

Get creative, have fun, and don’t forget to thrift your costume pieces at Goodwill! We can’t wait to see your spooky, silly, and spectacular creations.

Winners will be revealed LIVE on Good Finds and will be posted to our social media and website November 6th.

Oct 15 2025
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Fall Good Turn Day

By community, Donation Drives

November 1, 2025 is Good Turn Day – Make a Donation, Earn a Patch
Help Goodwill Transform Lives Through Donations. Goodwill is partnering with the Boy and Girl Scouts for the scouts to do a ‘Good Turn’ for the community by collecting used clothing, books, housewares, and other items to be donated to Goodwill. We just request that your Scout bring 3 small grocery size bags of donations to any NW Ohio Goodwill location. To recognize doing a good turn in these neighborhood service projects, scouts earn a patch. The items collected are sold in Goodwill’s retail stores to support its mission of improving the lives of people with barriers to employment through job training and job placement opportunities.

For your nearest location; https://www.goodwillnwohio.com/shop-donate/

Oct 06 2025
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Strengthening the Mission Services Team

By community, Mission Services, Workforce Development

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Goodwill organizations offer a range of support services to individuals with disabilities, including occupational skills training, job readiness assistance, soft skills development and rehabilitation programs to aid in physical recovery.

Goodwill’s Community Employment Services Co-Managers, Cason Welly and Yusuf Gardner, facilitated a refresher training for the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) team to reinforce best practices and ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to deliver the highest quality services. Their commitment to continuous professional development is strengthening the team and enhancing service delivery.

Oct 15 2024
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Goodwill Participates in a Back to School Event

By community, Mission Services

In August, Goodwill proudly participated in the OFat’s AutoSpa Backpack and Back to School Event, where our dedicated Mission Services Team Members, Melody and Jess, provided valuable outreach and support. Collaborating with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, essential school supplies, backpacks and more were provided to students, Goodwill offered support services to each participating parent. This event not only highlights our collaborative efforts with local business and organizations but also showcases the impact we can achieve together by helping to empower students and families in Northwest Ohio.


Great job Melody and Jess!

Oct 15 2024
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Mission Moment: Meet Lukas

By Uncategorized

Lukas’s inspiring journey with Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio’s Reentry Program exemplifies the organization’s commitment to empowering individuals facing barriers to employment. Transitioning from the Volunteers of America (VOA) facility, Lukas sought assistance in securing a job, acquiring appropriate work attire, and addressing transportation needs. Goodwill responded to these needs with a comprehensive approach, providing Lukas not only with clothing and job placement support but also with essential bus passes to facilitate his commute. This holistic support system has set Lukas on a promising path toward success, and Goodwill is thrilled to witness the heights he will achieve. His story is a testament to the profound impact of community engagement and the critical role Goodwill plays as a trusted resource for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.

Congratulations Lukas!

Oct 08 2024
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Goodwill Industries and Cardinal Stritch Collaborate for Students

By community, Goodwill News, Mission Services, Success Stories

Goodwill and Cardinal Stritch High School teamed up to offer students the opportunity to earn an associate degree at Lourdes University.  Students attend classes at Lourdes each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Goodwill’s Good Rides Program provides transportation to and from school for the students. 

This initiative not only highlights the importance of education but also emphasizes community engagement and partnerships that uplift our youth. Goodwill is particularly proud to be a part of the wonderful program, which ensures they have reliable transportation to and from school. By breaking down barriers to education, Goodwill reaffirms its commitment to fostering opportunities that lead to meaningful employment and personal growth.

Feb 28 2024
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Mission Moment: Meet Roberta

By community, Mission Services, Success Stories, Workforce Development

Being retired for over 30 years, the last thing Roberta thought she would be doing was to become a participant with Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).  Roberta learned about the program when she attended a presentation at her housing facility.  Roberta entered the program and was placed into a position at the Great Lakes Community Action Program, where she became a passenger care attendant.  She then was promoted to the Resident Services Coordinator.  She has dramatically improved her computer skills, become proficient with general office work, and helps develop programs for residents.  Staff and residents alike are extremely fond of Roberta and she enjoys her job.  Great work Roberta, Goodwill is extremely proud of you!

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