The Goodwill Ind. of NW Ohio Foundation adds funding for specific programs for individuals throughout NW Ohio. The main programs that the Foundation helps fund are:
Youth and Young Adult for ages 14-24
Individuals that are aging out of foster care
The Benefits Bridge Program
Goodwill’s Reentry Program
To read more about what these programs are and how very important they are to NW Ohio, follow this link to the Blade’s article: https://bit.ly/3XOHb6R
To see how you can donate monetarily to The Foundation, please visit this page on our website; https://bit.ly/44eEzmx
How to Bring the Whole Family Together this Thanksgiving
Times have seriously changed since your oldest relative’s first memorable Thanksgiving. Yet, all of the best things this holiday has to offer remain the same: family, food and gratefulness. Some holidays are exciting for each generation for different reasons. With Halloween, for example, kids love trick-or-treating, most teens and young adults love Halloween parties and many adults enjoy setting the scene with fun décor. But with Thanksgiving, the youngest and oldest people at the table are all there for the same reasons. It’s a holiday that truly brings us all together.
Family Memories from Thanksgivings Past
Nicole at Goodwill of Orange County (Santa Ana, CA) shared a heartwarming story of her traditional family Thanksgiving over on their blog. She wrote that although the table was only ever set for eight, her granny placed such an emphasis on the importance of the day that anyone she spoke to would have thought she was hosting 30 more. It’s this kind of significance that we can all recognize in our own celebrations no matter our age. It made such an impact on Nicole that she decided it was necessary for her to follow in her grandma’s footsteps with all the pomp that granny would have carefully set herself. Seeing as Nicole was just starting out, she knew that the only way to acquire entire sets of Thanksgiving-worthy dishware would be to shop for it at Goodwill. The results were exactly as anticipated. She checked out of her local thrift haven with more than enough plates and platters for three Thanksgiving feasts!
Kids and Thanksgiving
Although little ones attend Thanksgiving without a lot of responsibility, even at a very young age they know it isn’t just any other day. The importance of the holiday is instilled within us almost from the start. Perhaps that’s because people of all ages can pinpoint what they are thankful for whether that’s a warm home, a rewarding job or — if you’re the daughter of blogger Corey Moortgat — pumpkin pie! This delightful treat was exactly the motivation Avery needed to get through a family photoshoot when she and her siblings were decked out in their perfect Thanksgiving outfits from Goodwill! Mom was delighted to note that one of the shirts was even handmade! In her blog post, she mentions how surprised she was to find something hand-stitched at Goodwill, but the truth of the matter is that you can find just about anything at Goodwill! Since Goodwill has earned the trust and support of more than 86 million donors in the U.S. and Canada, you might even find the silver buckle from a pilgrim’s shoe! Now wouldn’t that be something for the centerpiece.
I don’t know if my family is unique in this, but when we set the table (centerpiece included) we all do it together. A few people carry in small stacks of plates, others grab napkins, and the little ones set the silverware. It isn’t one job of many that the host completes, but, as with every other aspect of Thanksgiving, it’s something we all share. With that in mind, when I saw these last-minute fall décor ideas from Horizon Goodwill Industries (Hagerstown, MD) I was particularly charmed by the hurricane candle holder idea filled with leaves! A quick project like this is something that an eight or 80 year old can collaborate on together to prep the table before the turkey’s carved. My local thrift shops are brimming with glass jars like this and colorful leaves litter the ground outside, so the preparation ahead of time is limited!
This Thanksgiving (as on every other day), we are truly grateful for you. Our creative readers, thrifty shoppers and generous donors are the heart of Goodwill, so we wish you all the very best heading into the holiday season. We hope these simple ideas are just what you need to one-up every Thanksgiving celebration that has come before, be it that of 2015 or 1950.
It feels good to give back. Whether it’s supporting a neighbor in need or donating to a local non-profit, there are many ways you can help others and spread kindness this holiday season and Giving Tuesday is the perfect day to take action!
This year, Giving Tuesday is on December 3rd, and Goodwill invites you to participate and celebrate generosity. Take a look at these easy ways you can help support Goodwill this Giving Tuesday:
Make Goodwill your holiday shopping destination
Goodwill is the place to shop for unique and affordable gifts for everyone on your list! From trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories to home décor, kitchenware, board games, books, and toys, you can find it all at Northwest Ohio Goodwill stores, and for much less than traditional retailers.
Overview of the Newest Goodwill Store 10027 Fremont Pike Perrysburg, OH 43551
Most importantly, every time you shop at Goodwill, you help fund the many different job training programs and employment services we offer for individuals facing barriers to employment, including:
Youth & Young Adult Program
Resume and interview help
Job coaching and placement
Reentry Programs
Soft skills training
And much, much more!
Holiday shopping is easy at any of our convenient at Northwest Ohio Goodwill stores, or you can shop Goodwill online anytime at www.shopgoodwill.com
Donate unneeded or unwanted items to Goodwill
You may already know that Goodwill is a great place to drop off donated goods, but do you know what Goodwill does with your donations?
Donations = Job Training & Placement
When you donate to Goodwill, your items are sorted and prepared for sale in our 14 Northwest Ohio retail stores, where they’ll be given a new life with a new owner! The funds raised from the sale of your donations help fund Goodwill’s vital programs and services. Clear out your closets and donate to Goodwill this giving season.
Support Goodwill with a financial gift
If you’re looking to give financially on Giving Tuesday, Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio, Inc. makes it easy and secure to donate online and make a tax-deductible gift. Even a small amount can make a huge difference in the lives of people in your community. Goodwill’s programs and services are needed to help people get back on their feet and find meaningful community employment. With your generous donation support, Goodwill NW Ohio is able to continue our mission and continue to meet the needs of people in the NW Ohio region!
When you give to Goodwill, you make the season bright for so many people in your community! Your donation and shopping support powers the Goodwill mission to provide job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other barriers and challenges to finding jobs. Every year, Goodwill helps thousands of local people find employment, all thanks to you!
Lagarius comes to Goodwill through the Youth and Young Adult Program (YYA). Lagarius is a high school junior and was extremely interested in a welding career. Goodwill helped connect him to a condensed welding workshop in which he was able to take an accelerated course and get firsthand knowledge about the field and what to expect going further. He has completed the course and is working with program staff to advance. Goodwill cannot wait to see Lagarius fulfill his dream of becoming a welder!
Starting a new job can be daunting, and dishwashing was not necessarily Jazmyne’s first pick. However, at Frisch’s Big Boy, she saw it as more than just cleaning dishes. She discovered it is a vital first step, ensuring a smooth operation and happy customers. The real benefit? The chance to learn and grow within the Frisch’s Big Boy family. Though nervous on her first day, Jazmyne’s positive attitude and quick learning made her a natural. We are excited to see where her journey takes her at Frisch’s Big Boy!
Michael came to Goodwill through the VOA halfway house. Michael needed help with employment, work clothes and transportation. Goodwill’s reentry team helped Michael with a position in maintenance at the Holiday Inn Express and he is on his way to a successful new beginning. Goodwill is extremely proud of Michael and his resolve!
Nyomi participated in our Youth and Young Adult program and utilized Good Rides transportation for a successful internship this summer. Nyomi said, “Goodwill has allowed me to engage in professional development experiences and internship opportunities I would not be able to attend otherwise while I save for a vehicle of my own. Everyone from the management to the drivers are extremely kind and accommodating, and I’m so grateful for the services Goodwill provides!”
During the month of July TARTA successfully completed training 20 incoming bus operators at the Sylvania Avenue Job Connection Center. Having completed the classroom portion of their training, they are now prepared to move forward in obtaining their CDLs. By providing this space, Goodwill was instrumental in advancing these participants toward their career goals. Congrats Drivers!
Goodwill Job Connection Center Navigator Amy Bach successfully hosted the first Defiance Resource Fair at the Defiance JCC. With nine individual vendors, the event was a great success. Congratulations to Amy and the Defiance Community!
Zavion was referred to Goodwill by OOD for job placement services. Zavion started working at Arby’s in May performing routine maintenance duties around the business. He did so well that his manager insisted he try a position in the kitchen. Zavion was excited to learn something new and started learning the fryer station. He immediately picked up the responsibilities and excelled during his first lunch rush never falling behind. Zavion’s manager was thrilled and kept praising him continuously because they were short-handed. Zavion is glad he took the opportunity and is excited to learn the other stations. Way to go Zavion!
