Goodwill® And Sugarland's Kristian Bush Partner To "Give It Away"

Partnership Encourages People to Become Job Creators by Donating What They No Longer Need

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Oct 27, 2014, 11:00 ET

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries International and Kristian Bush, one-half of Platinum-selling country duo Sugarland, are partnering to raise awareness of Goodwill's mission of transforming lives through the power of work. It's a partnership inspired by the message of Bush's debut solo single, the Top 40-and-climbing hit "Trailer Hitch," which reminds us that we collect so many things that we don't need, and we can't take it with us when we go... so why not "give it away"? Bush announced his new partnership with Goodwill when he appeared on NBC's TODAY Show this morning (10/27).

#Giveitaway with @KristianBush & donate what you no longer need. http://goodwill.org/trailerhitch

"I think a lot of people feel like you need to have extra money in order to be a 'philanthropist' or make a difference in the world," said Bush. "But we all have a box or a bag of things we don't need sitting around in our house or our car. Anyone can become a job creator just by donating that stuff to Goodwill, and when you learn more about what Goodwill does with the proceeds from your donations, you will be amazed. It's philanthropy that anyone can engage in, and it really does change lives."

Bush will join Goodwill in encouraging music fans to donate clothing, electronics and small household goods in their communities, and reminding them that the revenue from the sale of these donations goes directly to help find employment for people with disabilities, disadvantages, or anyone facing challenges. Bush will also build awareness of Goodwill's mission at his concerts, in media interviews, on blogs, and by sharing messaging through his social media channels.

By using the catchy, irresistible hook of "Trailer Hitch," Bush hopes to reinforce that Goodwill is so much more than a thrift shop – it is vital organizations throughout the United States and Canada, providing job and skills training, employment placement and community-based services such as career counseling, resume preparation, mock interviews, child care, financial education, and transportation. Every 27 seconds of every business day, a person served by Goodwill is placed in employment.

"Almost everyone knows someone who is struggling to make ends meet, and unemployment in our communities is still a hardship. But the simple act of giving away what you no longer need builds independence and dignity for people who need support to provide for themselves and their families," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Bush's message in 'Trailer Hitch' aligns perfectly with Goodwill's mission by helping people realize the impact they have by donating the items they no longer need to Goodwill."

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with a presence in 14 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 3,000 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 2013, more than 9.8 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To learn more, visit goodwill.org

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

About Kristian Bush
Bush has been leaving his mark on music for more than two decades. The singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist started his career with folk rock duo Billy Pilgrim in the early '90s, releasing a much-lauded pair of albums for Atlantic Records (self-titled debut and BLOOM). In 2004, he exploded onto the country music scene with Sugarland, surpassing sales of over 22 million albums worldwide, achieving five No. 1 singles and winning numerous awards, including GRAMMYs, AMAs, ACMs, CMT Music Awards and CMAs. To date, Bush garnered six BMI Awards for his songwriting, and in 2011 founded the music publishing company and songwriting collective Songs of the Architect. Recent producing/songwriting collaborations include Mike Elizondo, Rita Wilson, Dia Frampton, Ellis Paul, Matt Nathanson, the dB's, Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls, Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale, and up-and-comers including Larkin Poe, Natalie Stovall, Canaan Smith, Jaida Dreyer, Alana Springsteen, and The Voice contestant Savannah Berry. For tour dates and more, visit Kr istianBush.com.