Goodwill

Name: Goodwill
Rating: 4.1

Is This Your Business?

4.1

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225 User Reviews

4.1

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225 User Reviews

The Good

The Bad

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: November 21st, 2024

Goodwill Industries International was founded by a Methodist minister, Reverend Edgar J. Helms. As part of his ministry and work to help those in need, he collected items which were discarded by more affluent households and brought them to those with whom he was working for repair and distribution. His vision of creating self sufficiency has grown to a large network of independent organizations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama, and Uruguay. Each Goodwill Industries International is independently operated, and done so by region. As such policies for stores, etc. vary greatly. All information in this review is focused on the headquarters of Goodwill Industries International, which is located in Rockville, Maryland.

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The Good

Inexpensive fundraising expenses
83 percent of revenue spent on program delivery
Financial information is accessible

Total Income

Goodwill Industries International received $73,884,867 in 2015, down from $89,979,218 in 2014. The organization had total revenue of $53,902,760 in 2013. The dips in support coincide with false information and negative publicity.

Administrative Expenses

Goodwill Industries International reported that in 2015, of its annual income of $89,979,218, that $3,591,289 was used for administrative expenses. The CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Jim Gibbons, received a salary of $745,000 in 2013. Contrary to reports of the top management of Goodwill Industries International earning extravagant salaries, it should be noted that in 2014, Mr. Gibbons took a pay cut of over $100,000, with a salary of $639,085. This salary data is comparable to that for others in leadership positions for charitable organizations of that size and scope, and nowhere near the purported $2.3 million salary which is often circulated via email and social media posts.

Fundraising Expenses

When comparing to many other comparably-sized charitable organizations, Goodwill Industries International does not devote much of their annual revenue towards fundraising. The 2015 fundraising expense reported was only $512,072.

Program Percentage

Those supporting Goodwill Industries International are often curious about the amount of their donation (either monetary or of goods to be sold in a Goodwill's store) which goes towards the program of providing employment and training for those needing assistance. 83 percent of all revenue is spent on the program.

Accessible Financial Information

Goodwill Industries International has published their financial information and annual reports online, however the only way which the review team was able to find them was by performing a direct search on Google. Many other charitable organizations post links to their financial information and annual reports on their website.

Donor Communication

Goodwill Industries International collects their donor's contact information and may send donors solicitations for additional donations and announcements about upcoming events or programs. Donor names can be published by Goodwill International Industries, unless the donor specifically requests to opt-out.

Awards

Goodwill Industries International has won several awards for efforts in improving career opportunities for individuals. A few of these include: 2016 - Ability One Network Awards

Performance Excellence in Government Contracts Award: signifies the successful partnership of the Ability One Network with Goodwill agencies in providing support to individuals with disabilities.
Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina (Charleston)
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

2016 - HR.com Awards

Leadership Excellence Award: recognizing Goodwill Industries International's Executive Development Program in the Best Corporate University Category
Top Corporate Leader Award: Lane Schonour

2011 Telly Award

Winner in the Not-For-Profit category for their Donate Movement public service announcements

What Customers Are Saying

Customers of Goodwill Industries International retail stores report a high level of satisfaction with the majority of their experiences with the company. While this is not absolute, because stores are managed by different affiliates, the ratio of positive to negative experiences is comparable to those reported for other retail entities. Mission and Program Goodwill Industries International works to offer on-the-job training for those who might have difficulties finding and keeping employment for a variety of reasons, including disability, lack of experience, or even having a criminal background. By doing so, Goodwill creates opportunities for those who are in need, giving them tools to work toward self-sufficiency. Ease of Donation/Support Those choosing to support Goodwill Industries can do so by giving a monetary gift or by donating household goods to a local Goodwill Center for resale in a Goodwill Industries store. Businesses looking to support Goodwill Industries International's mission can become a partner and either create a job for one of the people who have worked at Goodwill Industries International or received training from the organization. Mutual Benefit For those looking to donate goods to Goodwill Industries International, the process allows them to remove unwanted or unneeded items from their home. By so doing, their donation is not sent to a landfill and is repurposed into another's home. Those shopping at Goodwill Industries are able to save money on their purchases, as items at Goodwill Industries stores are priced below retail. Those working with the donations at donation centers or in the retail stores are able to receive on-the-job training and become more self-sufficient.

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The Bad

Negative press
Lack of transparency

Negative Press

Almost every year and often around the holidays, an email circulates with information about various charities and the ways they are purported to use donations. Goodwill Industries International is mentioned in the email, complete with top secret information about their CEO and his salary. The biggest problem with this email is that the reported CEO of Goodwill is a person who has never been the CEO, and is otherwise unknown, Mark Curran ($2.3 million annual salary). The current CEO of Goodwill Industries International is Jim Gibbons, and his salary is proportionate with other non-profits, being $745,000 in 2013 and $639,085 in 2014. Another allegation is that Goodwill Industries International exploits disabled workers and pays them wages as low as $0.22/hour by using Special Minimum Wage Certificates. There is some truth in this, being that the wage certificates are used with a very small percentage of employees, but there is no actual proof of a wage this low. One area which is often neglected in this allegation is that Goodwill Industries International offers employees with a significant disability additional training and benefits, which can result in these employees making more than their "abled" co-workers. Variability of Store Policies and Practices Being that Goodwill Industries International has many affiliates and sub-organizations which are managed independently of the charity's headquarters, there is variability in store policies and practices. The organization does not operate as a strict franchise, with uniform expectations and policies. This can be frustrating for many who want a cookie-cutter experience with the retail stores that they frequent. When there are challenges, customers are not able to escalate their concerns with higher management or to company headquarters. Doing so results in a response that all affiliates are run independently, which often further frustrates and already frustrated customer. Lack of Transparency Goodwill Industries International, having so many affiliate locations which are run independently, does not have full disclosure about their individual organizations. There are many who have complaints with one location and then transfer their bad experience to the organization as a whole. This is unfortunate because the program as a whole has produced good results.

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The Bottom Line

The work accomplished by Goodwill Industries International has been eclipsed by inflammatory news reports or viral social media/email smear campaigns directed at some of the largest charitable organizations in the United States. Consequently, donations have steadily dropped over the last several years, but have begun to climb. The review team recommends giving to or supporting Goodwill Industries International with cash or goods donations or by shopping at its retail stores. An area which would help improve the Goodwill Industries International's image would be higher transparency of their annual reports and financial statements. Several other organizations are far more transparent with their records, and this practice helps donors feel more confident in their selection of a charity.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.1

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225 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

49%

4 grade

28%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

Most cities I’m assuming have a Goodwill store in them. A non profit organization that one can take their items they no longer want, left over garage sale items, estate sale items left over, etc. I have been a donating to Goodwill in whatever city’s we have lived in since I was in my 20’s and I’m now age 70. In like the fact that they have great items from housewares, clothes, ALL types of books to choose from at crazy low prices, and furniture. I’m also like the fact that Goodwill Industries trains employees with disabilities to help inside their stores. This is a wonderful program and opportunity for these employees. I like the fact that they will come to my home and pick up large items such as furniture, and my past mother in laws leftover estate items which were many. Not having a truck really saved my husband and I from having to rent one and pack it up ourselves. The city we live in now used to have two locations, but we now only have one and it is always busy. .

1 year ago

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Timothy Ruth Colorado Springs, CO

Inflation dragging you down? Goodwill is the Inflation Destroyer!! I think a lot of folks took their direct physical shopping to the bare essential stores during Covid. I think we ended up overlooking a lot of safe shopping options. But, at some point a very smart management team decided to make Goodwill a 'real, modern' shopping experience. And they really have! My Goodwill on Austin Bluffs in Colo. Springs, Co. does a Great job. How hard they work certainly shows. They do beautiful end caps and the displays use available merchandise. Clothing is displayed coherently by style, size, and color when possible. At my Store the donations reflect a 'comfortable' donor demographic...nice stuff that they could have Craig's Listed, but donated instead. Great values and ..no joke.. it's a new store every day. Value and excitement, hard to beat that! Thanks Goodwill.

2 years ago

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Kaylee Gay Chicago, IL

I love how Goodwill takes in donated items and resells them to people instead of throwing them into the trash. As the saying goes "one person's trash is another man's treasure". I will never throw away any of my old clothes and make sure I donate them because they could have a better purpose. I also love that you can donate more than clothes to Goodwill like old movies, shoes, and home decor. I also love to shop at Goodwill because they sell things for very cheap and most of the time it is fairly good quality. I do recommend though to donate your old clothes to have a better purpose because maybe they can go to a family in need.

3 years ago

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carole abel Palm Coast, FL

i used goodwill thrift stores to buy all sorts of things for years, both in Maryland and in Florida, we donate as well as shop. Some items are brand new with tags still on them . They are a kind and reputable charity and the store are clean and efficient. when i moved to Florida, i needed to find new employment and Goddwill has a carreer center as well. i had never seen thin in Maryland except maybe a CHIMES program for mental challenged adults. The Goodwill offered job search, resume writing and a reintroduction program for incarcerated people. they had all kinds of work shops and meetings for tax filing assistance and applying to work on the census or improve computer skills, interviewing and transportation help. I could not believe the wealth of services they offered , even made some great friends there. when i took an all day class for computers, they provided a pizza lunch with sodas and a $25 gift certificate to use for professional clothing at the goodwill thrift stores. I did find a very good job and upon showng them my work credentials, i was given another $25 cert. Then COVID came and really slowed things down, my job ended and the goodwill career center closed as well- it is very sad to see how the pandemic affected this type of service- they offered such valuable tools to no one who does not want to use them now.

3 years ago

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Matthew Wadley San Diego, CA

We love donating clothes, furniture, books and anything else we no longer use or need. Everyone that works in the donation part of the company is friendly and extremely helpful. I love how they help those that normally wouldn't be hired because of their past get jobs and education. Although I don't like shopping at Goodwill my wife and daughters love going at least once a month to find hidden treasures. ITs a great place for teachers to find supplies or those that do crafts. We find a lot of good baskets there and some cool one of a kind presents for White Elephant Gift Exchanges.

5 years ago

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Johnna Marysville, MI

I shop at the Goodwill in Marysville, MI. The main reason is because of the staff there. They are super friendly and very helpful. Jennifer especially goes out of her way to help. If I am looking for an item in particular, she will hunt for it until she finds one for me to look at. Great customer service!!! And there are always lots of goodies to look at!!

5 years ago

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J. Whelan Long Beach, MS

I hear and read in places from people, "Is there any where I can take my clothes besides Goodwill. Because all they do is sell them for profit". During hurricane Katrina we lost everything. Goodwill really helped us out tremendously! They were able to help clothe us, provide houseware items, pet items for free, BUT they were also the only place that gave us a credit card gift card we could go and buy what we needed. I will forever be grateful to Goodwill for what they did for us during a tragic time in our lives. So I take all of my items I don't need to Goodwill and hope that they can sell it for a profit and help somebody else out in a crisis.

5 years ago

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alk43420

I would 1st likevto thank Goodwill of Summit County Ohio and the Elizabeth Clark Foundation for the $65 donation during my time of need they were amazing then and still are

6 months ago

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Stephanie Bloniarz

I really love our local Good Will. They have a drive thru where you can drive up, they come out with a cart and grab your donations for you. It is so convenient and easy. I also love that they hire special needs adults. Way to go, Good Will!! A++++++++++

1 year ago

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Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV

I always enjoy looking for deals while shopping at Goodwill. You never know what you may find. I was looking for vintage tea cups to add to my collection and found several perfect ones at a very good price after visiting several Goodwills around town.

1 year ago

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Shannon Cummings

Great deals. And if you donate you get credit for that on your taxes. Great charitable company that serves the community beyond just reselling items. They offer employment for people that need a job.Hires within for job placements.A++

1 year ago

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Heather H Sanford, FL

Goodwill provides assistance in many ways to the entire community. They are generous, resourceful and reliable. My daughter likes to browse their selections in store and is never disappointed with treasures she finds - some items are new with tags. Goodwill can be counted on to help people in need, so it's a pleasure to shop at their locations.

2 years ago Edited May 1, 2023

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Ricardo Ortiz Fredericksburg, VA

Thank you for Goodwill, I take my un used items there and I find so many items I need for the lowest price ever. Goodwill is in a class of it's own. Great people at the store and in the warehouse. Excellent tax deductibles too.

2 years ago

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scotty Saint Paul, MN

I know they are privately owned and they don't give back quite as much as some of the other organizations but they do give back to the community to individuals to families. And what do they say ones manage junk is another man's treasure. They also have one of the best business plans and business models out there

3 years ago

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Chad Edgar Wentzville, MO

Goodwill this is a blessing of a place not only can you bring clothes here to donate you can take some clothes for yourself if you need them amazing idea I love to go to here often you'll find a lot of nice clothing shoes sometimes some toys

3 years ago

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A 1 Mesquite, TX

I have grown to appreciate places like Goodwill. My mother has always been a frequent shopper at Goodwill. I've found some great buys on items that I did not intend to find yet they were great deals. I've been fortunate to donate and patronize Goodwill regularly.

3 years ago

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stevey shumway Midvale, UT

I have donated to Goodwill on several occasions, I think it is great place to donate to! I also shop their every now and then- always finding great deals! The employees are always so nice and willing to help the customers. It is a great environment.

5 years ago

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JDWain Tallahassee, FL

I love both shopping from and giving to goodwill. I think it is a good company with a good cause plus it provides me with the service of getting rid of some now unneeded item as well as allowing me to purchase things from the for cents on the dollar. I have even bought some textbooks from school from Goodwill

5 years ago

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

I believe in what Goodwill stands for providing used goods/products that are sold to bring in revenue to help those who are down on their luck and need a hand up out of of their pit of despair. I believe in the people who volunteer their time to help those who need it.

5 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Goodwill is a hero among charities. They make it easy to donate and to buy from. I appreciate their clean stores, value pricing, and their whole-hearted effort to help others. As a charity, it is a great example of what is good in this world!

5 years ago

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Beverly Schacher Long Beach, MS

Goodwill is easy to donate to, just drop off any household items or clothing that you no longer use. It's a great way to clean out your closets and cupboards and help people in your community. Goodwill usually has stores conveniently located in most cities. Goodwill stores also help people purchase used items at a fraction of the cost of new.

5 years ago

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Jasmine King New Orleans, LA

Goodwill has, for many years, supplied me with cheap, nice clothes. I consider myself a fashionable person, and I personally consider Goodwill a goldmine for cute clothing. The clothes are cheap, well sorted, and I can’t recall a bad experience with any of the workers. Overall, a wonderful store for people with less money.

5 years ago

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Allison Campbell Ellisville, MS

Good will is a great company they are all about reusing clothing, furniture, book and ect. They make sure their products are good enough to sell. They have great employees. Everytime I go in good will they don't judge you and give you advice for sales. They have high price and vintage clothing for a reasonable price.

5 years ago

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Stephanie Byrd Tallahassee, FL

Goodwill is a great place for purchasing clothes in bulks. The idea of used clothes being in good condition seemed unreal to me. Now, I enjoy shopping there. There are a variety of clothing options to choose from. From more casual to business professional. Goodwill has at all and their display is well thought out by caring staff.

5 years ago

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Nicole LeBaron Provo, UT

I love goodwill. I have found kitchen supplies, clothes, books, furniture, etc. There is a goodwill near my house and my dad loves to go there. Very organized and a variety of selection. Sales Associates have been very friendly!

5 years ago

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Wendy

Goodwill has been a life saver when we needed shoes or vintage clothing. My daughter loves the t-shirt selections!

5 months ago

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Amani Patel Harrisonburg, VA

This charity organization has been very reliable and I appreciate its transparency with where funds and donations go. It is my go-to for donations and I like that about 82 cents of every dollar end up going to charity.

1 year ago

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Satoria MoonGoddess

My favorite thrift shop. I alway look for them when I'm out of town and find the best treasures. I love that they support veterans and employ them. I make donations as well as shop.

1 year ago

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Sharon Las Vegas, NV

On my recent visit to Goodwill, the store was clean, the shelves were well organized, and the prices were reasonable. Overall, my experience was positive, and I would most definitely shop at Goodwill again.

1 year ago Edited January 22, 2024

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Nicole Eddy Brentwood, TN

When I donated at the Madison Street in Clarksville tn an employee named Kenny was very helpful and kind in helping me unload my donations cause I'm disabled and couldn't do it by myself

1 year ago

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Chrissy Lang Bellevue, WA

My family and I recently became homeless was unable to buy a pair of school shoes for my daughter and goodwill cashier was amazing the lady paid for them out of their own pocket I only had to pay $2

1 year ago

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Jeremy Summa Inverness, FL

Goodwill is a great place to find good stuff for cheap. I love to treasure hunt in there. It’s also a good place to donate so other people can get the items you no long need. Happy hunting!

1 year ago Edited May 26, 2023

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Emma Morrill

Goodwill is awesome! They use some of their profits to help employ those who need extra assistance. Their prices are fair for what you are paying for and the stores are kept clean.

1 year ago

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Mia miga7440 Denver, CO

Good will is a wonderful company to donate your belongings to. They take almost anything, and put it all at a very reasonable price. All of their clothes are in good quality for being used.

5 years ago

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Anita pea Dallas, TX

Goodwill was a good choice when I needed to donate any of my old stuff like shoes and clothes. The employees helped me figure out what I could donate and let me know what I donated was used!!!

5 years ago

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Jennifer Donnelly Tallahassee, FL

Overtime I clean my apartment I always find stuff in my closet that I do not use but are in great condition. Goodwill is the place I donate my stuff to because I know my items will be used for a great cause.

5 years ago

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Joss Ocean Springs, MS

I absolutely love shopping at Goodwill. You never know what you'll find! We've bought furniture at a steal during the 50% off everything in store promotions! I'm a repeat customer and so is most of my family!

5 years ago

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Tanner Cook Gilbert, AZ

The bottom line is I can get items I need for a big discount. On top of that, it helps employ people in the area and help with community based programs, a win win! I know my donations will help my community.

6 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

Goodwill has provided me with items that I would not have been able to get elsewhere. They are a wonderful help to the community and provide needed goods and services that cannot be received in any other way.

6 years ago

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Taylor Walker Tallahassee, FL

Goodwill is a wonderful charity to shop at and donate to. I donate clothes and other miscellaneous items that others may need. I have also shopped there for decently priced items. The people are always so helpful and everything is always easy to find.

5 years ago

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Zac Cannon Long Beach, MS

I am a huge supporter of Goodwill. They are great as a charity and their department stores offer clean clothing at a reasonable price. My wife and I enjoy donating our old clothes to the company knowing that someone who needs it more than us will be able to have clothes.

5 years ago

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Madelyn Moselle, MS

Goodwill is such a great organization. I can recall after hurricane Katrina happened, goodwill was there to help families in need. They gave cloths blankets whatever people were in need of. And for low income families, clothing is made affordable. Good job to GoodWill

5 years ago

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Deanna Bernard Miami, FL

I’ve purchased great quality clothing from Goodwill. Some people forget that it’s the quality that counts and not the name of the branding. If you’re looking for a good place to shop for less. Go to goodwill. Its worth it

5 years ago

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Diamond Collins Jacksonville, FL

Goodwill is the perfect clothing store for struggling families. They never put out clothes with holes or stains so there is no worries when purchasing clothes from them. The Goodwill I entered was very organized by color and size.

5 years ago

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Olmanika Milfort Tallahassee, FL

I very often thrift shop here and it is very underestimated. I found many valuable clothing that I can fit to match my style and switch up every now and then. If you are not afraid or are a very patient person, I would recommend shopping here if you're looking to save money.

5 years ago

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Ramone Raiford Tallahassee, FL

One of my favorite places to shop! They allow you to buy cute clothes for affordable prices. I always find hidden gems whenever I go. I also make sure I donate my gently used or completely new clothes to them because I know how excited I get when I am able to buy new things from them

5 years ago

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Sarah Marfo Tallahassee, FL

As a college student Goodwill has been my go to. College is expensive and I have used Goodwill to benefit to get clothes for interviews, conferences, and assemblies. I have been able to get outfits for class and as well as all my professional settings.

5 years ago

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Andrea C Moran-Melendez Jacksonville, FL

I absolutely love the fact that I am able to donate so many things to goodwill. I also absolutely love all of the amazing employment opportunities they offer. Goodwill truly does give back the community. I also hope that they expand their technical training programs to more locations.

5 years ago

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Sara S Tallahassee, FL

I love what Goodwill does for the community. Anything you bring into them is tax deductible and if you shop there you can definitely find some hidden gems. Instead of throwing out your old clothes or books, you should bring them to goodwill!

5 years ago

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peggy cherry Fayetteville, NC

I have donated many time to Goodwill. I have seen the good they prvide to people in need. They are a service that many rely on, so I will continue to support this service.

1 year ago