Get Organized This New Year and Create Jobs

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Each new year, many people make a resolution to get better organized at home. Make 2014 the year you finally clear the clutter with Goodwill's help. As you're cleaning out your garage and closets, save gently used items and donate them to one of the more than 2,700 Goodwill^® locations in the United States and Canada. Goodwill sells those items in its stores, and the revenue funds job-training programs and support services, such as child care, financial education and mentoring, for people who need them in your community.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090716/DC47803LOGO)

Goodwill locations accept donations of gently used clothing and housewares. Many also accept electronics, computers and accessories, and furniture. However, donors should verify what specific items their local Goodwill agency will accept before dropping them off.

"It feels good to start the year with no clutter at home, free of the stress of dealing with items that are no longer needed," said Lorie Marrero, founder of the Clutter Diet^® and Goodwill spokesperson. "Goodwill provides valuable community services from the items you no longer need. Donating is a win–win for donors and the millions of people Goodwill helps each year."

Goodwill donors can calculate the positive impact of their donation with the Donation Impact Calculator. Simply choose your donation from the drop-down menu, and the calculator will display the impact of your donation on the community. For example, a donation of one bag of clothes provides one hour of a financial planning class or resume preparation assistance to someone who is looking for work and building a career.

"Last year, more than 83 million donors gave their gently used items to Goodwill," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Their generosity helped Goodwill provide critical job training services to 6.7 million people with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment."

Visit www.goodwill.org to find your nearest Goodwill donation center.

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill is one of America's top 25 most inspiring companies (Forbes). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,700 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2012, more than 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 82 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services.

To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International