YOUR DONATIONS = Financial Value + Social Impact

Spring cleaning time! My clients report they are more likely to donate something when they *know* it will be re-used, recycled, or repurposed. Goodwill of Northern New England sent me a short and INCREDIBLY informative explanation. I hope this will inspire you to #juststart clearing out your stuff, making space for what you LOVE. edit - organize - transform.

But what happens to it?

Thank you for donating! Thank you so much for your recent donations to your local Goodwill Northern New England store. Your donations not only help the earth, but fulfill our mission to help people build stable lives. A lot of people ask, "what happens to my old stuff?" Well, your stuff is on a fascinating, sustainability journey. Last year alone, donors like you helped keep over 60 million pounds of stuff out of the landfill. Those donations would completely fill enough tractor trailers to stretch for 25 miles, bumper to bumper. As your donations make their way through Goodwill's system, they have many opportunities for a second (third, fourth...) chance:

• Goodwill stores accept donations and resell quality second-hand items which fund programs like Workforce services, NeuroRehab services and group homes
  

• Goodwill Buy The Pound outlets sell items that didn’t sell in the retail stores at reduced prices. Local resellers often shop at the outlets to support their resell businesses (also perfect for anyone looking for a deal or thrill of the thrift)
  

• Goodwill Wiping Cloths use unsold shirts and cut them into cleaning cloths used by local boat builders, artisans or you when you repaint your house
  

• GoodTech refurbishes and resells quality electronics in stores and online, as well as provides computers to our Technology Access Program
  

• Goodwill works with organizations like homeless shelters, schools, Scout troops and animal rescues and provides them with donations that help their work: things like blankets, silverware, stuffed animals, sleeping bags and more

• Business partners purchase bulk stuffed animals, pots and pans, DVD cases and much more for re-use

• Plastics, metals and textiles are recycled, and the trash is used as last resort

Thank you again for donating to Goodwill! And one last thing — if you're interested in hearing more from us (be it coupons or news alerts), please sign up for the newsletters of your choice right here.