EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Evansville Goodwill reached out to 14 news to show the inner workings of the facility, to show people that it’s more than second-hand shopping.
Vice President of Mission Advancement, Morgan Lange, says it all starts in the very back.
“We accept our donations through our donation door, and then the work really begins with processing those donations back here in our back room,” Lange stated. “We have staff who are very intentional about looking at the condition of each item to make sure we can get the most value of every single donation.”
Officials say they want to dispell the myth that there is some higher-up pocketing all the money.
They say Evansville Goodwill is its own local nonprofit, with 15 stores in the Tri-State.
Rather, the profits from the store go to programs like the Excel center, a place that provides adults with a second chance at education and a high school diploma right here in Evansville.
Students like Emily Thompson say they’re thankful for the opportunity.
“Everytime you’re putting money into Goodwill, you’re putting money into us students, you’re putting money into our education which also helps as a state and whole of Indiana and it helps with employment as well so it falls into that, the resources, so yeah it’s really awesome,” Thompson stated.
Officials say Goodwill also has other programs like their Goodskills Academy, as well as assisstance with job searching.
CEO, Connie Ralph, says it would not be possible without the efforts of staff and the generosity of the public.
“Donations are the lifeblood of Goodwill, and when people donate their gently used clothing and hardgoods and household items, it helps us to be able to generate revenue through our stores for our mission,” Ralph stated.
They say that mission is to help those in need in the community in any way they can.
Officials also wanted to clarify what can and can’t be donated.
They say they cannot accept mattresses, paint, or chemicals.
All other gently-used belongings are happily accepted.
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