SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Braden River High School senior and Goodwill Youth Ambassador Brianna Moss understands not only the life-changing impact Goodwill Manasota has on the lives of community members, but also how she and other teenagers can contribute and make a difference. Moss is spearheading the “BE COOL School Challenge,” an effort to collect unwanted, gently-used items at area high schools that can then be sold in Goodwill retail stores. The proceeds will support Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.
The challenge is a simple, fun and a great way to provide educational tools to students while also providing some team-building activities. Goodwill provides to participating school donation boxes that can be painted or decorated any way the students want. Students will then promote and hold the donation drive, collecting items such as clothing, shoes and books; the boxes will then be picked up by Goodwill on a specified date.
“Whether it is the whole school, the Key Club, the PTA, or even just one classroom that participates, this challenge will help students understand how they can reduce their carbon footprint and also help them see how they can change lives through the power of work,” said Goodwill Manasota vice president Veronica Brandon Miller. “I am so impressed with our Goodwill Youth Ambassadors, like Brianna, who are so generous and concerned about others. I think it’s so important for young people to understand that they can make a real difference in the lives of others.”
Each student that takes the challenge will receive a coupon for a free pizza from Pizza SRQ; the winning school will win a free pizza party and a $1,000 scholarship, thanks to corporate sponsor Cool Today.
Jaime DiDomenico, president of Cool Today, is proud to back this effort. “I’ve been fortunate to have the support of this community and it’s our responsibility as businesses to give back and help nonprofits such as Goodwill,” said DiDomenico. “It’s wonderful to see members of the younger generation being active in their communities. Efforts like these help to empower the next generation to understand that they can truly help to change lives for the better.”
So far, Southeast High School has completed its donation drive; the effort will be ongoing through April 21, 2017. Schools interested in participating are asked to contact Donna Evans, Goodwill’s director of donation development, at donna.evans@gimi.org or (941) 355-2721, ext. 131.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2015, Goodwill Manasota served 22,739 people, placed 961 people in jobs and assisted 358 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 41 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.