Like us on Facebook and enter for a chance to win a Kindle Fire and a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
How Can You and Goodwill Help the Environment?
The average American discards about 68 pounds of used clothing per year, which doesn’t include household items, accessories, furniture, e-waste or shoes that are also tossed into landfills on an annual basis. And clothing materials can take up to 50 years to decompose, while plastics and metals can take hundreds of years. With 15 percent of all garbage being made up of reusable items, it’s important for everyone to take stock before tossing the trash. Goodwill has been a pioneer in “reduce, reuse, and repurpose” since 1916, and has diverted almost 3 billion pounds of usable goods from landfills.
E-wasteland
Did you know that Goodwill recycles e-waste for free? Many people are not aware of the hazardous chemicals and compounds found in old computers, cell phones or stereo equipment. These toxic substances which include mercury, arsenic and lead, if not properly contained, can seep into the ground or be released into the air or water supply. This poses some potentially serious health threats to the general public. Help keep our planet from turning into an e-wasteland by donating anything with batteries or a plug to a Goodwill donation center.
Keep our Landfills from becoming Landfulls
Reduce your clutter and your carbon footprint by donating unwanted items; reuse and repurpose by shopping Goodwill retail stores for gently used and new household goods and clothing; and recycle e-waste at no charge at your neighborhood Goodwill drop off location. Thanks to your generous donations, Goodwill Southern California diverted over 56 million pounds of textiles, paper, electronics and other recyclables from landfills in 2013 alone. That’s about the weight of the Eiffel Tower, times 3! You may think that no-one wants your old stuff but the success of our retail stores would prove you wrong. If you’ve ever watched the reality shows “Pawn Stars” or “American Pickers,” you know that one person’s cast-offs are truly another person’s treasure.
And when you become the treasure hunter at a Goodwill location, you’re reducing carbon emissions significantly. The process of producing one new t-shirt involves pesticides to grow the cotton; thousands of gallons of gasoline to transport the raw materials to a manufacturing plant; chemicals, dyes and more energy to create the garment; plastic and cardboard packaging; and more carbon emissions to ship the garment to retailers.
Lowering Your Emissions Advances Our Mission
When you shop at, or donate to, Goodwill, you’re doing something good for the planet, but you’re also doing something good for people in need. The mission of Goodwill is to transform lives through the power of work. Your donations and purchases help fund a variety of employment programs and services for individuals with disabilities or vocational disadvantages. These programs include training, education, computer skills and job development services that help prepare and place people in sustainable employment, providing not only a paycheck, but a sense of purpose and dignity.
So whether you’re a Prius-driving, tree-hugging, granola-eater, or a bargain-hunting, vintage-wearing, fashionista (or maybe a little of both, and then some?), we’ve got you — and mother earth — covered.
Offer only valid at participating Goodwill Southern California retail stores from April 14-19, 2014. May not be combined with other offers or redeemed for cash. Additional restrictions may apply. See store associate for details.
Your Employment Partner
Goodwill Southern California’s first priority is helping people in need find sustainable employment. As one of the leading non-profit brands in the world, we maintain a large network of businesses, educators, community partners and government agencies. This network allows us to match qualified candidates with employment opportunities. Each year we place thousands of individuals in employment throughout Southern California. And our specialty is preparing and placing those with the most significant disabilities and vocational challenges, including veterans, the homeless, ex-offenders, mature workers and at-risk youth.
Customized recruiting services with access to an extensive pool of potential candidates, qualified for everything from entry-level to middle management positions.
Our services include:
-
Needs Assessments
-
Job Postings
-
Resume Review & Applicant Screening
-
Meeting Space
-
Customized and On-the-Job Training
-
On-site Recruitment Assistance
-
Recruitment Events
-
Layoff Aversion
-
Tax Incentive/Hiring Refund Assistance
Assistance in identifying how your current skills and experience can translate to new opportunities. We will also help you receive the training, certification or education you need to help you advance in your chosen field of employment or explore new career avenues.
Our services include*:
-
One-on-One Career Counseling
-
Skills Assessment
-
Resume Building
-
On-the-Job Experience
-
Access to Computers, Internet and Phones
-
Assistive Technology
-
Community and Government Resources
-
Training, Certifications and Education
-
Job Search Tools
-
Networking Opportunities
*Services subject to availability and participant eligibility.
Join us at our new flagship retail store and outlet center.
3150 N. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
Open Mon – Sat 9a – 9p, Sun 10a – 9p
On opening weekend enjoy fabulous prizes and offers* at our retail store, including:
- First 100 Shoppers In Line Receive a Merchandise Voucher for $10
- Drawings for a Flatscreen TV and 2 Blu-ray Players
- For Every $50 Spent Receive a Merchandise Voucher for $5
- 200 Free Items Hidden Throughout the Store
- Free Totebag for First 1,000 Shoppers
And outlet center customers may enjoy:
*Vouchers not valid at GSC outlet centers. Vouchers good at participating GSC retail stores after April 14, 2014. While supplies last. No purchase necessary to enter drawing. One free item per person. Eighteen years or older. Totebag given at register upon checkout.
Ways to Share the Love (Goodwill SoCal style)…
While others are devouring bonbons, making florists wealthy, and struggling to see by candlelight all in the name of romance, here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate Love’s big day.
It’s the Thought that Counts Use more creativity than cash at Goodwill for thoughtful gifts that will make hearts flutter. Try filling a gift bag with only red or pink items. Buy an empty vase, add wildflowers and include an old-school love note. Or embrace your romantic side with a book of poetry (win more points for reading the poems out loud).
Embrace Your Mother this Valentine’s Mother Earth that is. When you donate to Goodwill, you’re helping the environment by keeping usable items from ending up in landfills. Did you know you can also donate e-waste? Anything with a plug or a battery, whether it’s working or not. Because we all know that when sparks fly with your sweetheart, that’s a good thing. If they fly when you plug in your toaster? Not so much. So if your flip phone’s gone from to or your bedside lamp is no longer the light of your life, bring it to us and we’ll make sure it is properly recycled.
Be an Original Catch your crush’s eye with Goodwill’s one-of-a-kind, designer label, and vintage clothing and accessories. We have racks and racks of Valentine’s Day looks to spice up your wardrobe that aren’t likely to be found anyplace (or on anyone) else.
Out with the Old Spending February 14 solo? Don’t get bitter, feel better! Make room for a brand new sweetheart by cleansing your home and your heart of all-things-ex. Gather any lingering reminders – sports equipment, jewelry, books, clothes – and donate it all to Goodwill.
Have a Heart Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is all about love. Single or attached, there’s no better way to show what’s really in your heart than helping transform the life of another person. Your contributions to Goodwill help thousands of individuals with disabilities and disadvantages find meaningful employment.
However you decide to spend this Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s filled with lots of love!
xoxo, Goodwill SoCal
A Few Heartfelt Treasures from Goodwill…
Feel the LOVE It’s almost Valentine’s Day—are you feeling the love yet? This chocolate-covered holiday is the perfect excuse to be the sappiest version of ourselves and let those in our life know just how much we adore them. Whether you’re looking to up the romance factor with your sweetheart, cover your house in all things heart-shaped or turn up the heat on date night, Goodwill has you covered. With a little creativity and a keen eye, you’ll find some great deals on the shelves of your local store that would make even Cupid proud.
Home is Where the Heart Is First, let’s look around your home. Adding a little Valentine’s Day flair to your décor can instantly get you in the mood for love. But put down the construction paper and safety scissors—keep it classy by looking for a few select pieces in the colors of the season. Here’s a peek at a few items found at a local Goodwill: a bevy of pink ceramic vases and bowls, heart-shaped candy dishes and sweet picture frames that started at just $2.99 to $5*. Choose a few coordinating pieces and arrange on a shelf or side table for a subtle touch of St. Valentine. [Pictures 1, 2]
Thinking of surprising someone with a romantic dinner at home? Put away the paper plates and spring for some new tableware, like champagne flutes and an ice bucket (to hold said champagne). And, what’s more romantic for dessert than chocolate fondue? Picking up all five of these things at a local Goodwill was only $16*. [Picture 3]
Sugar and Spice Sentiment wins over price when it comes to giving a memorable Valentine’s Day gift. A little furry token of love is the perfect way to make someone feel special, while a cute picture frame with your favorite pic of the two of you is never too cheesetastic, we promise. [Pictures 4, 5] And, you can never go wrong giving your special lady something pretty to wear around her neck. Check out the selection at a local Goodwill: Bonus — that turquoise color is sooooo IN right now! [Picture 6]
Finally, there’s no better way to get in the Valentine’s Day mood than by trading in your yoga pants for something a little more spicy. This long, red gown was only $30*, while the short, pink cocktail dress was a dream-come-true at just $7.99*.[Pictures 7, 8] If you’re single, you might not be after picking up a dress like one of these!
Once you have the dress chosen, don’t forget the shoes. Nix the flats for a night and slip into something with a bit more height and, of course, of the appropriate color palette. These pairs fit the mood of the holiday and start at just $5.99*. [Picture 9]
Dare to Care AND Share When you shop at Goodwill you can be daring (think pink cocktail dress), get into the Valentine’s Day mood through sharing (think great gifts for your sweetheart), while at the same time being caring (to the earth by purchasing reusable items, and to individuals in need by helping them find sustainable employment). Love truly is a magical thing!
*Merchandise and pricing at each Goodwill Southern California is unique. While the items pictured represent the type of merchandise and pricing offered, the items featured may not be available.
Community Enrichment Center
3150 N. San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065
The new Community Enrichment Center at Fletcher Square is a one-of-a-kind resource facility that brings to one location Goodwill Southern California’s top-rated career development and placement services, retail, culinary arts and environmental service offerings, as well as access to a host of other essential social services. Located in the community of Glassell Park/Atwater Village, this landmark complex will also host a number of other top-rated nonprofit service providers, all under one roof.
This fully renovated, 135,000 sq. ft., full service facility offers a wide spectrum of services that address the employment, education, health, and universal needs of the community. At Goodwill’s Community Enrichment Center, individuals with disabilities and disadvantages will access free career counseling and placement services, employment preparation courses, and educational and technical skills classes.
Residents and businesses can safely and conveniently donate unwanted items and utilize environmental services such as e-waste recycling, secure shredding and document imaging. Consumers may enjoy shopping for clothing, furniture and home goods at our flagship retail store and clearance center, and dine at our training café. And, various community organizations and government agencies will utilize the facility for meetings and events. The Community Enrichment Center provides access to vital programs and services, unifies the community, and is a catalyst for individuals and families to achieve sustainable pathways out of poverty and into success.
Flagship Retail Store and Outlet Center
With over 15,000 square feet of deeply discounted, one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, homegoods, books and more, our new retail store is sure to please the most discerning treasure hunters. And our outlet center offers incredible savings with textiles for $1.49 per pound and hardgoods for $.69 per pound.
Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 10am to 3pm
Enjoy a wide variety of fresh offerings from California’s best local farmers, producers and food purveyors.
Career Resource Center: Bringing Job Seekers and Employers Together
Job seekers have access to free career counseling and placement services, employment preparation courses, and educational and technical skills classes, and employers are connected to screened, qualified candidates.
Veteran Employment Program
Provides career assistance to veterans and their families including specialized programs and services to help them prepare for and secure sustainable employment.
Donation and E-waste Recycling Center
Offers a convenient, safe and environmentally friendly way to donate clothing and household items, including e-waste (anything with a plug or cord, working or not). Last year, Goodwill Southern California diverted over 67.4 million pounds of reusable or recyclable goods and electronics from landfills.
State-of-the-Art Function Meets Inviting, Open Form
Groups or organizations in need of meeting space, or wanting to host community events, please call 323.539.2152.
Cozy Winter Fashions at Prices That’ll Warm Your Heart!
13245 Hawthorne Blvd. . Hawthorne, CA 90250
Open Mon – Sat, 9am – 9pm, Sun, 10am – 9pm
Get ready to let your fashionista spirit run free as you shop our wide selection of deeply discounted, one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, homegoods and more at our new store in Hawthorne!
On opening weekend enjoy fabulous prizes and offers, including:
- 200 FREE ITEMS hidden throughout the store*
- $10 gift certificate for every $50 spent*
- A chance to win a new FLAT SCREEN TV*
* While supplies last. One free item per person. Offers only valid at the above location. No purchase necessary to enter drawing. Eighteen years or older.
Learn about Johnny and how he turned to Goodwill SoCal after leaving the military when his 5 month old daughter passed away.
Goodwill Southern California uses available tools to serve the largest number of individuals with severe and multiple disabilities, including the U.S. Department of Labor’s Special Minimum Wage Certificate (FLSA 14c). Please watch this video and join the conversation.
You Can Help. DONATE
“Every morning I read the letter I wrote my daughter when she died. It’s what keeps me going.”
Watch Johnny’s Story Here.
When Annabel was 5 1/2 months old, she became sick, so Johnny and his wife took her to the doctor. They got some medicine and went home, but she worsened through the night. The next morning, they returned to the hospital and received devastating news — she had pneumonia.
Annabel passed away that afternoon.
“Losing her, I just felt unaccomplished, like I failed in so many aspects as a father. I should have been able to protect my daughter.”
Soon after her death, Johnny lost his position in the military. He and his wife divorced. He was incarcerated and, for a period of time, homeless. Johnny sought help from veterans programs over the years, but with little success — there were so many veterans out there, it was easy to get lost in the shuffle. And, he still carried the guilt of his daughter’s death.
At Goodwill, he met specialists who understood his past. He participated in an employment program that provided the guidance and structure he needed. “Now that I’m at Goodwill, I have a support system.”
Goodwill’s Veteran Employment Program offers skills assessments, one-on-one career counseling, employment preparation courses, educational and technical skills classes, and work tools, as well as access to a host of other partner services.
When you Donate to Goodwill, you are helping veterans prepare for and secure meaningful and sustainable employment. $50 provides someone in Goodwill’s Veteran Employment Program with resume preparation, interview workshops and on-the-job training.
Thank you. Your donation helps Transform Lives through the Power of Work.
