Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is expanding its presence in Central Florida. Since the beginning of 2013, the nonprofit has opened two retail stores, one Job Connection Center (JCC) and four Attended Donation Centers (ADC). And while this means more convenient donation sites for residents – it also means more donations are needed to fill these new locations.
“Donations to Goodwill allow us to provide job training, employment placement services and other community based programs to people with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience and others facing challenges to finding employment,” said Bill Oakley, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Florida. “This year, we’ve served 15,534 people at our JCC’s – and of those, we were able to help 2,773 find jobs. The community’s support is vital to this effort.”
Residents are encouraged to donate gently used clothing, household goods and electronics to their nearest retail store or ADC. The nonprofit is also collecting old computers and accessories thanks to the Dell Reconnect partnership, a free program that offers an easy, convenient and responsible way for people to recycle computer equipment and other electronics.
Goodwill recently opened a new combined store and JCC in Clermont, and a store in Waterford Lakes (east Orlando). ADCs in Dr. Phillips, Palm Bay have also recently opened for donations. In the coming months, Goodwill will open new ADCs in Lake Nona and the Lee Vista/Chickasaw area, plus a new JCC in Sanford. To find the location nearest you, visit www.goodwillcfl.org.
