SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota, along with all Goodwill Industries International affiliates, will celebrate National Thrift Shop Day on Thursday, August 17. The organization hopes people will enjoy more than just great finds at great prices – when people shop at Goodwill, they contribute to programs that provide education, skills training, and career development, helping people in Goodwill Manasota’s service area of Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Hardee counties.
To mark the occasion, Goodwill will offer 25% off in retail stores throughout the region. Additionally, area shoppers are encouraged to submit photos of their favorite Goodwill buys to facebook.com/GoodwillManasota through August 19; the top three submissions will win gift cards.
Shopping at Goodwill offers numerous benefits beyond providing career services for those with barriers to employment. There is always the chance a shopper at Goodwill might find a true treasure in the rough, an item that turns out to be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Thrift shoppers can find vintage, one-of-a-kind, and designer items, all at a significant savings over new. Additionally, parents can demonstrate to children the value of developing good spending habits as well as the pleasure of donating unwanted goods for the benefit of someone in need. Thrifting also keeps unwanted items out of area landfills and reduces the need for the production and distribution of new goods.
“During National Thrift Shop Day, shoppers can not only celebrate the values of smart shopping and reduce-reuse-recycle, along with enjoying the excitement of truly unique finds, they can also feel good about helping their unemployed or underemployed neighbors to find work,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Last year, Goodwill Manasota served more than 28,000 individuals, placed more than 750 people in jobs, helped 240 veterans reintegrate back into the civilian workforce, and enabled individuals with disabilities to feel the pride of earning a paycheck. Our shoppers are helping members of the community to support their families, which builds better lives and stronger communities.”
To find the most convenient Goodwill store (or stores) to visit on National Thrift Day, shoppers can go to experiencegoodwill.org.
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 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 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.