Good Will Hunting!!!!

If you know me, then you know where you can find me on the first Saturday of the month.  It is half price day at Goodwill and I head out with comfy shoes and ponytails to find some treasures!  There is no logic to it, but I change up the sides of town I go to almost every month.  Maybe I will go on a state-wide hunt!  I look for things to paint, repurpose and give new life to....furniture, frames, lamps and fabric.  
I used to go to many yard sales, Salvation Army, antique malls and various other junking holes, until I read about Goodwill as a non-profit company.  That is where I do the majority my hunting.  84 percent of their revenue is spent directly on programs!  Just this last Saturday, the sweet lady who checked me out appeared to be recovering from a severe stroke.  She was so excited for me and all the goodies I found.  She even sold me “smart card” and made me aware of some of their other services.  I found myself wondering what would she be doing now without a company that is committed to helping someone like her find employment.  The hunt is always fun and coupled with knowing I am helping someone, it is also rewarding!  
I took a junking virgin with me this weekend and we went to 6!  There was a table I passed and I woke up regretting it and went back the next day.  This is my PILE of goodies!  Don’t be jealous when you see what I do with it:) 

I copied some stats below from the Goodwill website- very impressive!  For all you ebay junkers, Goodwill also has an auction site too.  I won a bid for a detail sander for $5!  So, all you hoarders out there....free yourself from your cluttered garage and attic!  To quote one of their taglines...”Give it to Goodwill and you give someone a chance.” 
http://www.giveit2goodwill.org/

Kellie

Goodwill Mission
Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
Goodwill Vision
Every person has the opportunity to achieve his/her fullest potential and participate in and contribute to all aspects of life.


Goodwill Results for 2010
People served through employment and training programs: More than 2.4 million
Workforce development services provided: 20.1 million
People who earned a job with Goodwill’s help : Over 170,000
Estimated total earnings of people who earned a job with Goodwill’s help: Over $2.7 billion
Personal and family support services provided: 7.5 million
Total revenue generated by Goodwill organizations: $4 billion
Total revenue spent directly on programs: 84 percent
Total number of donors (includes repeat donations): 74 million
Total number of retail stores: Over 2,500 and an online auction site,