Goodwill Thanks the Community for 273,000 Pounds!

Goodwill's 2006 Annual Appeal that ran from November through December was a huge success. The goal of the Annual Appeal was to raise 100,000 pounds of gently-used clothing, toys and household items by the end of the year. Goodwill has completed their calculations of donations and they are pleased to report that they received 273,000 pounds of donated goods and over $8,000 in financial donations. Goodwill would like to thank the individuals and businesses in our community that helped to make this appeal such a big success.

Several area businesses partnered with Goodwill to hold donations drives, including the Holyoke Mall in Holyoke, Whole Foods Market in Hadley and eight area Rocky's Hardware Stores. These partnerships were a great success, adding many truckloads of donations to the count, and Goodwill wants to thank those businesses for their participation. Our local print and television media were also very helpful in generating public awareness of the campaign and Goodwill's mission to serve the disabled and disadvantaged. Stevens Design Studio in Westfield is the agency of record for Goodwill and developed the marketing plans, created the television, radio and print campaigns as well launched an informative website with campaign details and updates.

Goodwill wants to let the community know that with all the donations received, their five local stores are packed with inventory and great bargains. Items move quickly in the stores so be sure to come in and shop soon. Donated goods and Goodwill's retail stores are part of the cycle that enables Goodwill to prepare local people for the workforce. Since 1902, Goodwill has been collecting and reselling goods in order to fund job training and career services.