Submitted by Kate Quinones
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA HELPS LOCAL
TEACHERS AND FAMILIES HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL
Nonprofit Hosting Donation Drive, Offering Discounts
As Central Floridians prepare for the start of a new school year, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (GICF) is supporting local families and educators in multiple ways.
From Aug. 1 to 31, teachers and educational staff will receive an extra 10% off their total purchase when they shop at their local Goodwill. Those looking to maximize savings can shop between Aug. 1 and Aug. 6 to take advantage of Florida’s tax-free holiday. A valid school ID must be presented at the time of purchase. Discounts will be offered at all Retail Stores in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia and Lake counties.
“Learning is one of Goodwill’s core values, and we fully understand the importance of education both within our organization and in the communities we serve,” said Ed Durkee, president and CEO. “We hope that our back-to-school efforts will have a positive impact on our local educational heroes – whether that's by providing affordable supplies to stock their classrooms or new clothes to set them up for success.”
Community members who are getting rid of old, gently-used items to make room for new ones are encouraged to stop by their local Goodwill on Aug. 5 for a community-wide “Old School → New School” Donation Drive to repurpose and recycle their items sustainably. The donation drive will take place at all GICF Retail Stores and Donation Xpress Centers within GICF’s six-county service area, and the first 30 donors at each location will receive a free Goodwill-branded reusable bag.
GICF’s commitment to education is an extension of its mission of “Building Lives that Work®.” Last year, the nonprofit launched “Goodwill Scholars,” a pre-paid tuition program that covers 100% of the costs of college or vocational school for all employees upfront.
To find your nearest Goodwill location, visit https://www.goodwillcfl.org/locations.
About Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc.
For more than 60 years, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has provided vocational and job placement services to tens of thousands of people living in Central Florida. Through 31 retail/outlet stores and 16 Donation Xpress locations in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Volusia counties, Goodwill diverted more than 20 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills in 2022. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida directly channels more than 90 percent of its annual revenue into programs that enable individuals to secure meaningful employment, achieve their personal goals and thrive economically.
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