Goodwill® Announces Matt Paxton as Ambassador and Spokesperson

ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Downsizing and decluttering expert Matt Paxton and author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff has been chosen to serve as an international spokesperson for Goodwill. As an official representative, Paxton will be featured on radio and television spots as well as in PSAs, blogs, social media posts, podcasts, and on other platforms to demonstrate how donations to Goodwill translate into programs and services in communities across the U.S. and Canada.

Paxton was selected due to his passion for organization and dedication to helping others downsize as well as for his work that has helped thousands get their homes in order. Together with Paxton, Goodwill will encourage people to clear their closets and homes of unwanted items and put them to good use by donating them to help their local communities. Every instance of decluttering and organizing inspired by Paxton's work will help create tangible donations for Goodwill.

"As I wrote Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff, I realized how important donating items is to my mission and to my clients. One of the first rules of donation is to find an organization that aligns with your personal mission and morals," said Paxton. "I chose to work with Goodwill because of its purpose driven mission of providing people with training and jobs."

Donors can take pride in giving to Goodwill, as the sale of their donations supports employment programs that help people find jobs and build careers in their communities. Nearly 86 percent of collective revenue from the sale of donated goods at Goodwill organizations supports community-based programs and services, such as digital skills training, credential and certifications, transportation, mentoring and more.

"I'm very excited at the thought of helping families downsize and declutter their homes while at the same time helping hardworking people obtain skills and jobs," said Paxton, who wrote Keep the Memories in collaboration with AARP. "As I continue to help families change their lives by donating their unwanted items, remember that it goes beyond just stuff. The items you donate to Goodwill actually change lives."

Goodwill nonprofit organizations across North America will benefit from Paxton's expertise and role as spokesperson. The tips and resources he will provide will advance the Goodwill mission and motivate consumers to think more intuitively about donations.

"Goodwill is extremely excited to partner with Matt," said Onney Crawley, chief marketing officer of Goodwill Industries International. "As a Goodwill ambassador, he will bring the mission of the brand to life and provide our organization with actionable ideas for downsizing, organizing and donating unwanted items."

Visit www.goodwill.org/your-impact/ to find out how your donation can help move your community forward.

ABOUT MATT PAXTON
Matt Paxton is a leading downsizing and decluttering expert and author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life, (Penguin Random House/AARP, February 2022). He started after his father, stepfather and both grandfathers died in the same year, leaving him with several estates to settle at once. Ever since, he and his network of experts have been working with families struggling with settling estates and cleanouts for almost 20 years. He is the host of the Emmy-nominated public television series "Legacy List with Matt Paxton," which launched its third season in January 2022. The series produced by MY Entertainment and Shipyard Entertainment in association with VPM, Virginia's home for public media, and distributed by American Public Television (APT). He has also been an expert featured during 13 seasons of the hit A&E TV show, "Hoarders." Paxton appears regularly as a public speaker, television and radio personality, helping families find the upside of downsizing. Latest book, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life, will be published by Penguin in February 2022 and features his nine steps to downsizing and decluttering your home. Matt can be found online at, www.IamMattPaxton.com.

ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 155 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people find employment, Goodwill is recognized with GuideStar's highest rating, the Platinum Seal of Approval.

Local Goodwill organizations offer employment opportunities, job placement and training services, and other community-based programs, funded by selling donated clothing and household items in nearly 3,300 stores and at ShopGoodwill.com®.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl. Register for our Legislative Action Center via advocate.goodwill.org.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International