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Top 6 Things to BUY at a Thrift Store

They say that one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. For thrift shoppers, this absolutely hits home. Being able to find a multitude of quality and branded items at such unbelievably cheap prices is basically what thrifting’s all about.

From designer jeans and vintage home decors to living room furniture and unique Halloween costumes, you can find almost anything you want in secondhand shops. However, don’t be tempted to buy whatever items you find that have cheap price tags since you might find some of them useless once you bring them home.

So, how can you be certain that you’re making the right purchases? Just be sure to pick the stuff you need and see to it that they’re still in good condition. It’s as simple as that!

With that being said, we’ve rounded up the top 6 things to buy at a thrift store. Check out our list:

1. Kids’ clothes

Parents can save HUGE by buying outfits for their little ones at a thrift shop. As babies and toddlers tend to outgrow their tiny onesies so fast, splurging on fancy baby apparel can only be nothing but a total waste of money.

If you’re a parent yourself, try your luck at thrifting. You’ll be amazed at the endless cheap baby apparel you’ll come across, even ones that are branded. Just make sure that you wash them well before putting them on your kids.

2. Maternity wear

Why bother spending hundreds of dollars for clothes that you’ll only wear for a couple of months? Unless you’re planning to get pregnant again, all you expecting moms out there may opt to fill your closet with maternity finds from thrift stores. That way, you not only spend less, but you can also donate them after giving birth.

3. Designer brands

The best solution for fans of designer brands on a tight budget would be a trip to the local thrift shop. There are a lot of wealthy people who donate boxes of branded items, some still having tags attached to them, and these items find their way to the thrift stores. As long as you have the patience to go through lines of racks and a good eye for bargains, you’ll definitely score lots of cheap-yet-elegant fashion wear.

4. Books

Do you think it’s unreasonable to spend 20 bucks for a novel that you might not read again? Forget the bookstore and make your way to the nearest secondhand store instead. From the New York Times bestsellers to educational textbooks, you won’t be disappointed with what they’re offering.

5. Furniture and appliances

Perhaps the ones who’ll benefit the most from thrifting are those people moving into a new home for the first time. Whether you’re looking for an oven or a wooden chair, you have the assurance that you’ll be paying just a fraction of its original price. Before you make your purchase, however, see to it that they’re still in good condition.

6. Glassware and ceramic

While you’re likely to spend $100 for a table setting of chinaware, that wouldn’t be the case if you’re browsing at a local secondhand shop. Thrift stores offer a wide selection of glassware, teapots, and dish sets, all at super affordable prices.

One final tip before you go thrifting: If you instantly like an item you see, take it right away. There’s a chance that another shopper might grab it while you’re still contemplating. So instead of regretting a missed opportunity, you might as well just add it to your cart the moment you set your eyes on it. You can still change your mind though. If you have second thoughts about that item you just grabbed, you can still return it to its shelf before paying for your purchases.

Donate an Old Car to Goodwill

Any vehicle you donate to Goodwill Car Donations becomes a life-transforming instrument for the disabled and other disadvantaged individuals in your community. We auction off all donated vehicles we receive and use the proceeds to support the Goodwill organizations in your area that are working to provide those underprivileged folks with a better quality of life.

These Goodwill nonprofits use the funds to sustain their delivery of various essential services to your community such as skills and job training, career development and placement, scholarships, youth employment, livelihood, disability benefits support, and other community-building support services.

Those who take advantage of our job training programs are taught skills best suited for them, enabling them to qualify for stable and decent jobs. Hence, thanks to the vehicle donations we’re receiving, once idle and dependent individuals become financially independent and productive workers who can now take care of themselves and their family and contribute to the growth and progress of your community.

What makes our car donation program special is that our donors also get to receive great rewards, including maximum tax deductions based on the selling price of their donated vehicles.

To know more about Goodwill Car Donations and our donation process, feel free to visit our FAQs page. If you have questions, give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586 or send us your message online.

You can make your car donation by either calling us directly or filling out our secure online donation form here.

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Grab This Win-Win Offering Now!

Imagine making a difference in your community by giving away a car that you’ve long wanted to dispose of anyway. That’s a win-win situation for you! Call us at 866-233-8586 and get started with your car donation now!

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How You Can Improve Yourself Using the 5 Most Popular Adult Continuing Education Programs in the U.S.

If you intend to live your life to the fullest, you must intentionally look for ways to improve yourself. One of the best things about being alive is that you have a choice to never stop learning. There will always be new knowledge to acquire, techniques to adopt, and skills to learn.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior citizen or a fresh graduate, or an established professional or someone who wants to make a career change. With the unpredictable trend in the economy today, there’s no assurance what field can take the lead and what type of work is bound to go down. With each moment, the industry is changing, and there’s nothing else we can do than to continue learning and improving our practice of a new skill.

Adult Continuing Education: What Is It About?

An adult continuing education is typically designed for adults wanting to learn new skills or enhance an already acquired skill. At the end of a course they selected, they are issued with a certificate stating that they received a certain number of continuing program units. Each unit is equivalent to 10 hours of instruction. These can be taken up by professionals with a license to practice in a particular field.

If you’re preparing for a career change, you can benefit from continuing education since it will help you gain or hone certain skills. There are a lot of programs you can enroll in.

Advancing your career is one way of ensuring that you’ll always be ready should there be a sudden change in the economic trend in the coming years. If you’re concerned about your busy schedule, some schools actually offer online classes so you can easily squeeze some classes into your schedule.

What are the 5 Most Popular Adult Continuing Education Programs?

A lot of things have been associated with adult continuing education programs. For instance, you might take units either for fun or for professional development. Whatever your goal is, taking up a continuing education program is always a good decision to make.

Here are the 5 most popular adult continuing education programs in the United States:

1. Massage

Massage classes are becoming more and more popular. People say learning how to give a relaxing massage is just as fun as receiving it. You can find plenty of schools that offer programs that teach different massage techniques such as Swedish, Thai, sports massage, and many more.

2. Fitness

When looking for the best continuing education programs in your area, you might find it surprising that people who are concerned about their health are actually enrolled in fitness classes. Since we’re living in an era when the importance of being physically active is continually being emphasized, these fitness classes have become more popular than ever.

3. Medical Billing

With the high demands for workers in the healthcare industries, medical billing has also topped the charts of popular continuing education programs. Over time, this career path has taken over others and has become one of the professions that offer a high level of job security.

4. Accounting

Covering topics from simple budgeting to tax auditing, accounting classes have become useful both on a professional and personal level. An accounting degree is also a great boost to an employee’s resume.

5. Project Management

Truth be told, this is the type of skill you don’t earn in your many years in college. When you enroll in this program, you’re taught how to develop, plan, strategize, and oversee projects. When employers see that you have a project management skill in your resume, it will definitely be a big plus to you.

If you’re not sure what classes to take up yet, you can always turn to the human resource department of your office for help. Ask them what your best options are and what skills you need to earn or enhance for better job opportunities in the future.

How to Help Other People Realize Their Full Potential

Although opportunities for education are always available, not everyone can enjoy them. Individuals who struggle with certain disabilities and other disadvantages need all the help they can get to overcome the barriers to these opportunities. We at Goodwill Car Donations are committed to helping these people.

You can help us in our mission by donating to us your old and unwanted vehicle. We will auction off your vehicle and use the proceeds to fund the critical programs of the Goodwill organizations in your area. These nonprofits cater to disadvantaged individuals who want to reach their full potential so they can become productive and self-sufficient workers. Thanks to your vehicle donation, they can get free access to numerous life-changing training programs that would lead to job opportunities.

You will also benefit from your donation since this will provide you the opportunity to significantly reduce your tax bill. You can do this when you file your itemized income tax return, using the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt that you’ll receive from us to claim the highest possible tax deduction you can get based on the selling price of your vehicle at auction.

Moreover, you can count on us to take care of all your donation paperwork and the quick and convenient towing of your vehicle, which won’t cost you a single dime.

To know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our donation process, the types of vehicles you can donate, and other important matters, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at 866-233-8586 or send us an online message.

You can make your car donation by either filling out our secure online donation form here or calling us.

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Help Uplift Lives with Your Car Donation!

The 5 most popular adult continuing education programs cited here are just some of the many options for enriching one’s life. Availing yourself of any of those programs will certainly benefit you. At the same time, you can also enable the less fortunate residents in your area to benefit from these programs by teaming up with us at Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586 and help uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your community with your car donation!

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4 Things to Know Before You Visit a Thrift Store

Before you get all too excited about a weekend spent treasure-hunting for thrift finds, you may need to go through Goodwill Car Donations’ list of the 4 things to know before you visit a thrift store.

Do you happen to know someone whose funky home is exquisitely decorated with awesome items bought from thrift stores? Maybe you’re one of those folks who begged a thrift-shopper-pro friend to take you with them the next time they go shopping.

Do you have kids who are growing like weeds? If you do, it doesn’t make sense to buy them expensive clothing even if you had a money tree growing in your backyard. Furnishing a home doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either if you know how to do it for pennies on the dollar with incredible thrift finds!

Thrift Stores for the Win!

The good news is, there’s no black magic involved in successful thrifting. All it takes is a few best practices used consistently that pay off over time. Therefore, whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or are new to the game, this list of 4 things to know before you visit a thrift store is a must-have for you:

1. Know what’s junk and what’s not.

If you’re looking to find a really good deal, you’ll have to spot what’s valuable. Before you decide to purchase an item, try Googling it to find out how much it’s really worth. You can also look for reading materials that cater to folks who are downsizing or settling estates.

For example, you may find in one book that handmade furniture can be worth a fortune if it’s handmade or if it was manufactured in limited pieces. Furthermore, in most cases, furniture made from heavy oak is more valuable than you think and painting it would destroy its value.

2. You’ll have to wash it ASAP.

Make it a point to immediately wash clothing bought at thrift stores. If you have to go someplace before you head home, have your purchased items double-bagged or tightly sealed and stored somewhere until you get to toss them in the washing machine.

For pieces of upholstered furniture or rugs that are yet to be steam-cleaned, keep them in the garage. Upholstered furniture can be heavily infested by bugs and may need to be reupholstered.

3. Bring the right tools.

For your thrifting adventure to be a success, you’ll need to have these thrifting tools ready: baby wipes, disposable gloves, scientific forceps for handling specimens, a hand vacuum for cleaning out dusty furniture, a compact screwdriver set, insecticide spray, cotton swabs for cracks and crevices, a flashlight, and a magnifying glass. It’s wise to keep these in the car just in case you go for an unplanned thrift shop stop.

4. Check if it fits.

Don’t get too carried away to a point where you purchase a piece of beautiful furniture only to realize that you have no way of getting it home because your trunk is too small. Worse, you later found out that its look doesn’t match with what you have going in any of the rooms in your house.

The key is to write down the dimensions of your trunk, rooms, and doorways and keep the information in your little thrift toolbox.

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Happy Thrifting!

With these practical tips, take your thrifty ways to a whole new level! You don’t have to pay the full price for clothes, decorative items, and whatnot when you realize that you can be a thrift store ninja who can find a way to clothe and decorate cheap!

Helping People through Goodwill Car Donations

One of the reasons why people shop at thrift stores operated by nonprofit organizations is because they want to support a cause that they strongly believe in such as helping people burdened with disabilities and other disadvantages. However, did you know that there are other ways to provide more meaningful assistance to these people? One way is to donate any type of unwanted vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations.

We auction off each donated vehicle and use the proceeds to finance the various community-building programs of Goodwill nonprofit organizations. These programs provide deserving disadvantaged people with free job training and placement services, mentoring, career development, and disability benefits support among others. Thus, your car donation will help transform the lives of these people.

Aside from making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate people in your community, your car donation will also entitle you to claim a hefty tax deduction since you’ll get to receive a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt once your donated vehicle is sold at auction.

To know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our donation process and other related information, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

You can make your car donation by either calling us directly or filling out our secure online donation form here.

Uplift Lives with Your Car Donation!

Shopping at charity thrift stores supporting the cause of disadvantaged people is one way of helping our less fortunate fellow citizens. A more effective way and one that provides a win-win situation is by donating unwanted vehicles to Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586 and uplift the lives of the underprivileged folks in your community with your car donation!

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Guidelines to Remember for April 15—Tax Day

Another year, another tax season to deal with. Most of you might have probably gotten used to Tax Day by now, but it’s still important to keep yourself updated on the latest details on taxes, particularly those concerning requirements and guidelines. With this year’s tax deadline set on the 15^th of April, taxpayers still have sufficient time to compile and process all the necessary tax documents from 2018.

Since we know how stressful and draining it is to manage piles of tax papers, we are here to assist you. Below you’ll find some of the most common concerns people have about Tax Day. Make sure you take note of them!

 

Requirements for Submitting Tax Returns

To submit your 2018 tax return, you will need to bring a copy of your Form W-2, or the Wage and Tax Statement. See to it that you’ve listed the amount of all the wages you’ve earned from your job or jobs during the previous year. If you work as a freelancer, you will be required to submit a 1099 form instead.

Filing Date for Your 2018 Tax Return

Since January 28, the IRS has been accepting tax returns from taxpayers. Before you start to file your taxes, be sure that you already have your Form W-2 from your employer. Also, the form needs to be filed and postmarked on or before the 31^st of January, so make sure you check the date once you’re done filling it out.

What to Do If You Still Haven’t Received Your W-2 Form

In case your employer has not provided you a copy of your W-2 form by the middle of February, you’ll need to contact them as soon as possible. Kindly tell them that you need to obtain your form, as they may have forgotten about it. Another option is to call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and give them details such as the following:

• Your name, address, contact number, and social security number
• Your employer’s name, address, and contact number
• Date you started working for your current employer
• Your estimated federal income tax withheld and paid wages in 2018

Getting An Extension

If you have a feeling that you can’t make it on the due date, don’t lose hope just yet. You can actually request an extension from the IRS. They’ll be asking you to complete and submit Form 4868, with your new due date scheduled in October.

Keep in mind that the extension will only apply to the date you needed to file your return. This means that you’ll be providing the IRS the money you owe by the April due date. In case you file late with an extension and you owe them to a taxable amount at the same time, it’s likely that you’ll be adding interest to the original amount you owe.

It’s also possible to file late without asking for an extension. If that happens, you’ll be paying a late filing fee. Normally, the fee is 5% of the amount you owe per month that the return is filed late.

When to Expect Your Tax Refund

The IRS usually sends tax refunds within 21 days of filing. The sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you’ll get your tax refund. Learn more about your tax refund here.

Tax Preparation Checklist

Now that you’ve made your decision to file your tax papers on the actual due date or on the date of extension, it’s time for you to compile all the papers you’ll need for your tax return. You should already have these forms and documents with you at the start of the year.

• Health insurance documents (Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C, depending on your coverage type)
• Other tax documents (ex. Form 1098-E for individuals repaying their student loans, Form 1098-T for individuals with mortgages, etc.)
• Retirement plan documents (Form 1099-R or Form 5498)
• Receipts
• Medical costs
• Childcare costs
• Moving expenses
• Donations to charity
• Work-related expenses (if you are employed)
• Business expenses (if you are self-employed)
• Costs of school supplies (if you are a teacher)

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Receive a Hefty Tax Write-Off from Goodwill Car Donations

Do you want to make a significant contribution to your community and enjoy tax benefits at the same time? You can easily do that by donating a vehicle you no longer need to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to support the critical programs of the Goodwill organizations in your area. These programs are meant to harness the full potential of those individuals in your community who are burdened with disabilities and other disadvantages that prevent them from becoming productive members of our society. Thanks to your vehicle donation, they can get free access to numerous life-changing training programs that would lead to job opportunities.

If you’ve been planning to get rid of your car, handing it over to us would be the most ideal option. You’ll be disposing of it for free, avoid the hassles of paperwork, and give yourself the opportunity to benefit from a top tax deduction.

To know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our donation process, the types of vehicles you can donate, and other important details, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at 866-233-8586 or send us an online message.

You can make your car donation by either filling out our secure online donation form here or calling us.

Slash Your Tax Bill While Helping Your Community

There are certain guidelines you need to remember for Tax Day. The occasion also serves as a reminder of how you can reduce your taxable income while doing something good for your community. Call us today at 866-233-8586 and uplift the lives of the disadvantaged people in your area with your car donation!

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Tax Deductions: What You Need to Know

If you want to significantly reduce your tax bill, donating a vehicle to a reputable IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in your area is one of the best ways to do it. Such a donation will benefit not just yourself but the needy people being served by your chosen non-profit, providing them much-needed assistance that can save or uplift lives.

If you care for people in your community who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, and other personal barriers to employment and a poverty-free life, the best move you can make is to team up with Goodwill Car Donations by donating to us your old and unwanted vehicle.

We will auction off your donated vehicle and invest the proceeds to support the critical programs of the 501(c)(3) Goodwill nonprofit organizations in your area that cater to disadvantaged individuals. These community-based programs provide them with job training and placement services, mentoring, career development, youth employment, disability benefits support, and other community-building support services.

Those who take advantage of our job training programs are taught skills best suited for them, enabling them to qualify for stable and decent jobs. Thus, thanks to your vehicle donation, once idle and dependent individuals in your community would gain the tools they need to become financially independent and productive workers. These empowered individuals could now take care of themselves and their family and contribute to the growth and progress of your community.

That’s how you can make a difference in your community. At the same time, while we use the money from the auction sale of your vehicle to serve your own community, you’ll get your own share of rewards, including a top tax deduction.

Tax Deductions from Your Vehicle Donation

Since the recipients of your car donation are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, any vehicle you donate is eligible for a tax deduction. Whether you’re donating a used car, an RV, any type of watercraft, or even a snowmobile, we can guarantee you a handsome amount of tax incentives.

A few days after we sold your donated vehicle, we’ll be mailing you your 100% tax-deductible sales receipt, which shows the selling price of your vehicle. To claim your tax write-off, you must first itemize the deductions on your income tax return. Keep in mind that the amount should not be higher than 50% of your gross income.

Here are important points you need to remember:

• If your vehicle sells for less than $500, you can claim its final selling price or its fair market value if it’s not more than $500, whichever is higher. You’ll need our written acknowledgment and your tax paperwork when claiming it at the IRS.
• If your vehicle sells for more than $500, you can only claim the exact amount for which it was sold. To claim your tax deduction, you need to submit an accomplished Tax Form 1098-C (Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats, and Airplanes), with an attachment of our written acknowledgment. Also, you need to fill out Section A of Tax Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions).

In case you’re wondering what a written acknowledgment is, it’s a document issued by your chosen  charity that includes information such as your name, your vehicle’s make and model, the vehicle identification number, the date you donated, your vehicle’s selling price, and a statement claiming that no goods or services were given in exchange for your donation.

We suggest you consult with your tax advisor for further details about tax-deductible donations. You can also contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or check out their manual on car donations here.

For more information about Goodwill Car Donations, our donation process and other details, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

You can make your car donation by either calling us directly or filling out our secure online donation form here.

Get Started with Your Car Donation Today!

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Are you ready to serve your community by transforming the lives of your disadvantaged neighbors while enjoying a handsome tax deduction at the same time? Call us now at 866-233-8586 and get free towing services with your car donation!

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Goodwill Manasota Veteran Programs: Serving Those Who Served Us

Did you know that Goodwill Manasota veteran programs were created in an attempt to address the issue of veteran unemployment? You’re probably wondering why this is necessary knowing that the government already provides our military veterans with much-needed assistance as they transition to civilian life. The sad truth, however, is that even after the government steps in to help, countless former military personnel still need to be served.

Goodwill Industries’ commitment to bridging the gap of service that the government alone is unable to fill was the reason behind the establishment of Goodwill Manasota veteran programs. These programs are aimed at empowering those who fought bravely to preserve everything that our nation stands up for and who are now facing hardship mainly due to unemployment.

Why Goodwill Is Helping Our Veterans

Our government spent millions of dollars to train our military personnel. Unless their skills are repurposed after their active service is over, they will become nothing more than lost assets. Therefore, Goodwill believes that providing jobs for our veterans is not just an act of charity but also as an investment to our local community.

What are the Goodwill Manasota Veteran Programs?

To get a clearer picture of the critical challenges that our vets are facing, Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Task Force sent a survey to various organizations to gather inputs based on their own perspectives. The data gathered from the survey was used as a basis for the provision of community-supported solutions for the employment issues that the veterans deal with as they transition into civilian life.

With the commitment to create and present opportunities for education and wellness to military veterans and their families, Goodwill provides case coordination as well as mentoring services for them. Check out these veteran programs and how they are helping change lives for the better:

• Veterans and Their Families Program

Since 2013, this program has been focusing on providing educational and technical skills classes, one-on-one guidance, targeted recruitment services, job fairs, work tools, and employment preparation courses to help vets find rewarding employment beyond their military careers.

• Special Emergency Resources for Veterans (SERV) Program

Local business owners provided and are still providing financial support for the establishment of this program. Since 2015, 100% of the money they donated has been used towards meeting the immediate financial needs of qualified veterans.

• Benefits, Resources and Veterans Education (BRAVE) Program

Since its inception in 2016, this program has been addressing the mental health care needs of veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and other debilitating mental conditions.

• Resource Veterans Guide

More often than not, veterans find it challenging to navigate through the services that are made available to them once they reintegrate back into the civilian sector. The Resource Veterans Guide is a directory of services that are related to child care, housing, food, and everything else that the vets and their families need as they transition from military to civilian life.

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Make an Impact in Your Community Today!

If there’s one thing you need to know about Goodwill Car Donations, it’s the fact that it intends to help individuals reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. We sell via auction all donated vehicles we receive and use the proceeds to support the Goodwill organizations in your area in providing disabled and other disadvantaged residents with skills and job training, career development and placement, scholarships, youth employment, livelihood, disability benefits support, and other community-building support services.

Those are the life-transforming benefits to your community that you will help create when you donate your old and unwanted vehicles to us.

We accept almost all types of vehicles. What’s more, we offer free towing services and we’re willing to pick up your vehicle from any point in the United States. Keep in mind that your donation is 100% tax-deductible, too!

If you need more information about how our vehicle donation program works, check out our FAQ’s page. You may also call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

If you’re ready to make a difference in your community today, fill out our online donation form now!

Become the Reason for a Success Story

You can contribute greatly to the success of Goodwill Manasota veterans programs by donating a vehicle you no longer to Goodwill Car Donations. Call us at 866-233-8586 and be one of the reasons behind a success story or a changed life!

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Get to Know the Disability Services Offered By Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida

If you reside in Charlotte, Collier, Lee, or just about any county in the southwestern area of the Sunshine State, you’ve probably heard of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida (SWFL). If this is your first time to hear about the organization, we’d love to tell you all about it.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida has long been helping people with disabilities and other disadvantages become more self-sufficient and financially secure members of their community. The organization does this by offering numerous programs and services, which include affordable housing, job training and placement, and youth programs. These programs are funded from the resale of goods donated to Goodwill SWFL.

Disability Services Offered by Goodwill SWFL

As of 2018, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida had supported more than 28,000 community members and families through their disability services. It offers three programs that cater to PWDs of all ages but each with a different objective. Find out more about them below.

1. Trailways Camp

Goodwill SWFL has been serving the Trailway Camps since October 2012. Founders Jerry and Sharon Miller of the Robert V. and Benjamin G. Miller Fund started the program to give Southwest Floridian adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joys of camping.

Goodwill houses 60 campers every year at their overnight camping sessions at the Riverside Retreat Center in LaBelle, Florida. Campers take part in activities such as canoeing, swimming, fishing, nature walks, arts, and many more.

2. Pathways to Opportunity (PTO)

A day training program for adults with intellectual and development disabilities, the PTO program aims to assist such individuals in integrating themselves into their community. Classes are done by groups or in a one-on-one session. They are classified under four main categories, which are:

• Recreation (sports and clubs)
• Employment exploration (volunteering and job training)
• Education (life skills in preparation for independent living)
• Creative expression (fine arts and performing arts)

If you’re interested to learn more about their programs, check out their website for further details.

3. Pathways to Work (PTW)

The PTW program offers services to both youth and adults with disabilities, focusing on career exploration, training, and job opportunities. Courses are facilitated by trained job coaches with years of experience of working with PWDs.

The PTW program offers two options for their young beneficiaries—the High School High Tech (HSHT) program and on-the-job training. HSHT is designed to assist students in determining their aptitudes and interests through various classroom activities, internships, and job shadowing.

On-the-job training gives students the chance to decide whether they’re really fit for the job they hope to acquire in the future. Not only is it an opportunity for them to explore, but they can also earn a modest sum of income from their temporary employers.

Job seekers, who are referred by the Vocational Rehabilitation group, are matched with job coaches to assist them in seeking employment. Services are grouped into two categories: the Supported Employment and Employment Services and on-the-job-training. The first option includes job assessment, development, placement, coaching, and follow-along services.

If you’re interested to learn more about their programs, check out their website for further details.

Uplift Lives of Disadvantaged Folks in Your Area

Did you know that you can uplift the lives of the disabled and other disadvantaged people in your community? All it takes is your donation of a vehicle you no longer need to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We sell at auction all vehicles donated to us and invest the proceeds in the various community-building programs offered by Goodwill organizations in various communities throughout the country. These programs provide underprivileged Americans with skills and job training, career development and placement, scholarships, youth employment, livelihood, disability benefits support, and other community-building support services.

Aside from making a difference in the lives of these people, your car donation will entitle you to receive a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt once your donated vehicle is sold at auction. With this receipt, you can claim the highest possible tax deduction based on the selling price of your vehicle or its fair market value when you file your itemized federal income tax return next tax-filing season.

To know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our donation process and other related information, feel free to visit our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586 or send us your message online.

You can make your car donation by either calling us directly or filling out our secure online donation form here.

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Help Us Serve More Less Fortunate Americans

The disability services offered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida are just some of the many life-transforming services that Goodwill offers to our less fortunate fellow Americans. Help us serve more of them by giving away something you no longer need—your old car. Call us at 866-233-8586, and make your car donation now!

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‘Where Can I Donate My Car?’

If you’re thinking what to do with a car that has evolved into a hideous eyesore in your backyard, we wouldn’t be surprised if you ask the question, “Where can I donate my car?” We couldn’t blame you for being down to your last straw after spending your hard-earned money on expensive repairs for a car that couldn’t be brought back to its glory days.

Perhaps you had thought about selling it yourself but changed your mind after realizing that you’d want to save yourself from all the hassles associated with such a venture. Trading it in may not also be a tempting option for you since from the looks of it, you won’t be getting much at the state your clunker is in.

After carefully considering how you’re going to get your hands off your beater, you may eventually come to realize the best answer to your question: Donate it to a charity that supports a cause you can strongly identify with and one that can turn your rusty old piece of machinery into a powerful tool that can turn lives around.

A Great Place to Donate a Vehicle

Although you’ve finally decided to donate that clunker of yours to charity, you’re still looking for that nonprofit organization that you can entrust it to. You can find a plethora of charitable institutions out there that are undoubtedly awesome at what they’re doing to help their beneficiaries live much better lives. However, not all of them accept vehicle donations.

In case you’re wondering, Goodwill Car Donations is a great place to donate a vehicle. When you make a charitable contribution to us, you help us set the stage for countless disabled and other disadvantaged individuals across every state in the country to rise above their limitations and reach their highest level of personal and economic independence. We do this through the power of education and employment.

After we auction off the vehicles donated to us, we use the funds to support the programs of Goodwill organizations spread out all over the country. These programs provide services that directly benefit the people in various communities who need them the most. To give you an idea, check out this list of some of the critical programs that are being delivered by Goodwill organizations to their beneficiaries:

• Family-strengthening services
• Job coaching and placement
• Vocational evaluation and situational assessment
• Computerized office skills training program
• Customer service skills training program
• Industrial cleaning skills training program
• Youth mentoring
• Career training
• Youth services
• Education for students with developmental disabilities
• Income-sensitive housing for senior citizens and the disabled
• Vehicle assistance programs

The Benefits of Donating Your Car to Goodwill Car Donations

Now that you have an idea about what your contribution can potentially do to positively change people’s lives, allow us to share with you the benefits that you can look forward to once you donate your car to us.

• You’ll enjoy FREE car removal!

Finally, you can cast off the heavy burden of owning a defective car without you having to pay a single dime for its removal off your property. A licensed towing company will handle the job.

• A substantial tax deduction!

Who says you can’t trim down your taxable income? Donating to an IRS-accredited 501c3 nonprofit will definitely qualify you for a healthy tax write-off!

• Our donation process is extremely easy!

Just fill out our online donation form here, pick a convenient time and date for your car removal, and receive your tax-deductible receipt that we’ll send you by mail following the sale of your vehicle. Our team will be with you every step of the way to handle any of your questions and concerns.

• Good karma!

Sowing goodness into the lives of the people in your community will cause you to reap the same goodness one way or another. Your generous giving will never leave you empty.

You Can Donate Almost Any Type of Vehicle

Curious about the types of vehicles that we accept as donations? Take a look at this list:

• Cars and trucks: sedan, hatchback, coupe, luxury car, hybrid, pick-up truck
• SUV and vans: full-size, crossover, family minivan, large passenger van, bus
• Motorcycles: scooter, cruiser, off-road, touring
• Fun vehicles: ATV, motorhome, trailer, jet ski, snowmobile, golf cart
• Boats: sailboat, tugboat, yacht, speedboat
• Others: riding lawnmower, motorized wheelchair, glider, private noncommercial jets

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Donate a Vehicle Today!

We hope we have given you the answers you were looking for. To know more about us, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586 or send us your message online.

If you want to make a huge difference in your community, donate your unwanted vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations by calling 866-233-8586 now!

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Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Job Training Certifications

Did you know that you can get a job certification at Goodwill through its Upstate/Midlands South Carolina job training certifications? This is good news to anyone who seeks stable employment as a means to realize their full potential and a higher quality of life.

For more than a century, Goodwill Industries has been offering opportunities to overcome barriers to employment for deserving individuals who are living with disabilities and other disadvantages. Some of these people are the ones who bear the brunt of company downsizing and plant closures or the impact of a difficult economy. Since Goodwill is one of the biggest and most reliable charitable institutions in the country, you can find a Goodwill company almost anywhere in the United States.

All About Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

The Goodwill Movement was brought by Lloyd Auten to South Carolina in 1972. Since then, it has been steadily growing and affecting surrounding communities. It expanded into the Midlands region in 1997. This expansion was marked by the opening of the first Columbia-area store on St. Andrews Road.

In 2002, the very first Job Connection was opened at the Western Square facility located in Berea. In the next five years that followed, Job Connection sites were also opened in Columbia, Greenville, Simpsonville, Anderson, and Greer. A major change happened in 2006 when its name was changed from Goodwill Industries of Upper South Carolina to Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina.

Over 11,000 individuals across the Upstate and Midlands regions have stable jobs all because of the combined efforts of the people behind the organization and its generous donors. As a result, countless people who were previously unemployed are now becoming more productive and financially stable all because of Goodwill’s programs that promote education and employment.

You Can Get Certified at Goodwill!

In case you’re not aware, Goodwill offers nationally recognized workplace certification courses that are designed for job seekers who want to build workplace skills. Let’s dive in to take a closer look at each one of these job training certifications:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

This is ideal for those who want to earn a Commercial Driver’s License while gaining the required knowledge and developing the skills needed to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Generally, participants can expect Goodwill to shoulder 50% of the cost of tuition. However, they’re also allowed to apply for additional financial assistance to cover the remaining tuition costs.

Other Goodwill provisions that are inclusive to this program include DMV permit, 10-year driving record, drug screen, background check, CDL licensing, job placement, case management services, and physical required by the Department of Transportation.

• Food Service Certification

This five-week classroom curriculum and on-the-job training program provides a nationally recognized ServSafe certification given by the National Restaurant Association (NRA). Goodwill will provide the uniforms, job search and placement services, case management services, as well as post-employment services in behalf of the participants.

It provides training in resume development, mock interviews, workplace professionalism, basic computer literacy, communication skills, work ethics, and financial management. Plus, participants will be trained to practice safe food handling and preparation, cash handling, customer service, serving and storing food, as well as workplace safety.

• Forklift Operator Certification

This program takes 1 to 3 days of training limited only in certain locations such as Greenville, Lexington, and Greenwood. Aside from the certification, curriculum textbooks will be provided by Goodwill as well.

• Nurse Aide Certification

This is a course that holds classroom and clinical training sessions that focus on basic caregiving. Certifications from the American Heart Association Basic Life Support for the health care provider as well as certification for CPR will be provided by Goodwill. Depending on the participant’s location, certain requirements and provisions may vary.

Are you interested in taking part in any of these programs? If you are, don’t hesitate to contact Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina at 864-351-0100 to get more information.

How You Can Uplift Lives

All of us think about what we can do to make our corner of the world better. Today, you can join Goodwill as we bring positive changes to the lives of disadvantaged people and their families through the power of work and learning.

You can team up with us by donating a vehicle you no longer need to Goodwill Car Donations, the online fund-generating platform of Goodwill Industries and its various nonprofit organizations throughout the nation.

We sell at auction all vehicles donated to us and use the proceeds to support the critical community-based programs of the Goodwill organizations in your area. These nonprofits use the funds to deliver services such as skills and job training, career development and placement, scholarships, youth employment, livelihood, disability benefits support, and other community-building support services.

Aside from transforming the lives of the underprivileged people in your community, your car donation will also entitle you to claim the highest possible tax deduction since you’ll get to receive a 100% tax-deductible sales receipt once your donated vehicle is sold at auction.

To know more about Goodwill Car Donations, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at our toll-free hotline 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

You can make your car donation by either calling us directly or filling out our secure online donation form here.

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Make a Difference in Your Community Now!

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Call us at 866-233-8586 and get started with your car donation!

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Goodwill’s Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Job Training Programs

If you believe that every person deserves a chance to experience economic independence, then you’ll be glad to hear about Goodwill’s Upstate/Midlands South Carolina job training programs. In case you’re not familiar, Goodwill Industries is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to empower individuals in every community who are struggling with certain disabilities and other disadvantages. Goodwill believes that the road to a good quality of life starts with opportunities for learning that eventually lead to rewarding employment.

Goodwill is one of the biggest institutions in the industry, with local chapters in various localities across the United States. One of these chapters is the Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina. Since its establishment in 1973, this Goodwill chapter has slowly expanded into surrounding areas and is now serving the needy in Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, and Union.

Job Training Programs

Did you know that through the efforts of the people behind this organization, the Upstate and Midlands experienced an economic bonanza? This is mainly due to the $149 million worth of wages from people that Goodwill has placed into employment. Through the donations of concerned individuals, we’re able to launch life-changing programs that lead to brighter career opportunities for those who desperately need them. To give you an idea, check these out:

• Veteran Services

This program is primarily designed to offer opportunities for the education and employment of U.S. military veterans. The benefits it provides include comprehensive career assessments, career and financial planning that’s unique to the beneficiary, activities that promote career readiness, services for job placement and retention, and skills training and credentialing.

• English as Second Language (ESL)

This program provides training for adults who recently immigrated from foreign countries whose native language isn’t English. Weekly classes are held at the Easley Job Connection.

• Financial Stability Centers (United Way Centers for Working Families)

These centers can be found in Berea, Simpsonville, and Kershaw/Camden. They offer complete services that are designed to help individuals attain stabilized finances. Services include financial literacy, basic budgeting, goal setting, credit counseling, access to benefits, job placement, and training.

• Work Readiness Workshops

These training sessions seek to enhance an individual’s job searching techniques, resume writing, basic computer literacy, and more.

• Good Guides

This is a program that focuses on mentoring youth who are 12 –17 years old and seeking educational and employment goals. Aside from mentoring, Good Guides provide skills building and work readiness sessions, service learning, and field trips that focus on career and college exploration.

• WIOA Youth Program

This aims to assist job-seeking Greenville residents who are 16 to 24 years old. It offers paid GED Prep, paid work experience, training for work readiness, opportunities for training in certain industries (food service, retail, manufacturing, construction, and more), opportunities to receive childcare and transportation reimbursement, and opportunities to earn a certification.

• Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

This gives senior citizens access to job skills training lasting up to 20 hours per week. Participants are paid the highest minimum wage in the federal, state or local levels during the duration of the program, which is up to 27 or 48 months.

The training program covers skills, interests, and abilities assessment, assistance with employment plan development, support and connection to specialized training and resources, as well as assistance with finding and keeping jobs.

• Ticket to Work

This program was created as part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, a law that seeks to remove the barriers that keep people from going to work because of concerns over losing their healthcare coverage. It also seeks to help those who are living with disabilities find employment. To participate, one must be between the ages of 18 and 64 who are recipients of Social Security cash benefits based on their disability.

• YouthBuild Greenville

This program is designed to help young adults aged 16 to 24 who are living in Greenville and who seek to get an education and develop work skills in preparation for a career in the construction industry. It offers GED instruction, leadership training, construction training and certification, paid work experience at Habitat for Humanity sites, as well as transportation and childcare assistance.

Help Your Community Today

If you strongly identify with the cause that’s being taken up by Goodwill, we encourage you to donate your old and unwanted vehicles to Goodwill Car Donations, the fund-generating platform of Goodwill Industries. The proceeds from the auction sale of your vehicle donation will be used to fund a variety of community-building programs that aim to transform the lives of disadvantaged individuals and their families.

Even better, once you donate your clunker to us, you’ll be qualified to enjoy a top tax deduction in the next tax season.

If you want to know more about the benefits of making a charitable contribution to Goodwill Car Donations and other related matters, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, give us a call at our toll-free 24/7 hotline 866-233-8586 or contact us online.

If you’re ready to donate today, fill out our online donation form here or call us to get started!

Make a Difference in the Lives of Needy People

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Your car donation will surely give a boost to Goodwill’s Upstate/Midlands South Carolina job training programs. Call us at 866-233-8586 and make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged people in your community with your vehicle donation!