Goodwill® Makes Location Access Easier Than Ever

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Goodwill Industries International launched new features for its free Goodwill Locator app, which enables users to stay connected to Goodwill's mission through stories, updates and information related to donation centers, stores, job training centers and Goodwill headquarters. Currently available on iOS and Android mobile operating systems, shoppers and donors can use their smart phones to find their nearest Goodwill location by entering address, city, state or ZIP/postal code information. Users can then save those locations within the app to avoid searching for them again for future donation or shopping excursions. Users can also manage updates on their interests in thrift shopping, de-cluttering, mission impact and advocacy opportunities. Additionally, users can calculate the impact of their donations by using the Donation Impact Calculator, which lets them see how the stuff they donate can create jobs and impact the lives of people in their communities.

According to a year-end report put out by the now Yahoo-owned mobile analytics firm, Flurry, mobile app usage continued to see significant growth over the past year, with overall app usage up by 76 percent in 2014.

The original Goodwill Locator app, launched two years ago, had information about more than 5,000 Goodwill locations including retail stores, donation centers, job and career support centers, outlets and headquarters. With the current app, users can also see videos illustrating the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through the stuff donated by individuals in their community. They can also make a difference with a financial gift via the app.

"Donors, shoppers and program participants are increasingly turning to mobile devices to save time, and because it's convenient," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "Last year, more than 24 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills. We are excited to extend the ways in which people can learn from and give to Goodwill to help the communities in which they live and work."

Goodwill enhances the quality of life of individuals and families by helping people reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work. Local Goodwill agencies meet the needs of all job seekers through a variety of workforce development offerings including programs for youth, seniors and veterans, as well as people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds, and other specialized needs. Goodwill helps people train for careers in industries such as banking, IT and health care and provides the support services they need to be successful, including English-language training, additional education, and access to transportation and child care.

The latest version of the Goodwill Locator app is available for free in the App Store for Apple devices* and Google Play for Android devices. Visit www.goodwill.org/apps to get the app now. Users who already have the app downloaded on their devices should download the latest update for the enhanced features to take effect.

*iOS update pending approval by Apple, Inc.

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 20 most inspiring companies (Forbes, 2014). 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 services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2014, more than 426,000 people in the United States and Canada used Goodwill's intensive one-on-one career services to prepare for employment. In addition, more than 24 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.

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

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International