Your Goodwill donations do more than you think—here’s how

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If you’ve ever donated a bag of clothes to Goodwill or scored a great find at one of their stores, you’ve played a part in something bigger than you might realize. Beyond the racks and checkout counters, Alabama Goodwill is a nonprofit on a mission: to provide employment, training and education services to Alabamians while keeping reusable items out of landfills.

We stopped by Goodwill’s location in Homewood, a suburb of Birmingham, to see what really happens after you make a donation—and how that simple act can help transform lives across Alabama.

Where your donations go

Every donation begins with a simple handoff. Attended donation centers make drop-off quick and convenient—just pull up, and a team member will be ready to help unload your items. 

Items in good condition are cleaned, priced, and rotated through retail stores so shoppers always discover fresh finds. If an item doesn’t sell after a set time, it gets one final chance at the Goodwill Outlet (aka “The Bins”).

This system doesn’t just keep shelves stocked—it creates jobs. Between sorting and pricing to stocking and customer service, dozens of people are employed at each stage of the process. It’s simple but powerful: every Goodwill employee’s job is made possible by your donations!

More than meets the eye

“Most people think of Goodwill as just a place to drop off what you don’t want. But did you know Goodwill operates the most successful job placement and training program in the country?”

Kay Simmons, Mission Integration Program Manager, Alabama Goodwill

That mission is clear at Alabama Goodwill’s four Career Centers, located across Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. 

Anyone is welcome to walk in and take advantage of free services, whether they need help writing a resume, practicing for an interview or meeting local employers at a job fair. Career coaches are on-site to guide people through the process, and computers and printers are available for those who need them.

This kind of support removes barriers that make it hard for many to find work, whether it’s skills training or just the confidence to take that first step.

Goodwill’s ripple effect

The impact of a single donation goes further than many people realize. Not only does it provide affordable shopping options for families across Alabama, but it also directly funds job training, education and placement programs. Plus, by repurposing and reselling items, Goodwill helps reduce the amount of waste headed to landfills.

Goodwill employees and participants in its programs all have unique stories. Some spend decades working with the organization, building long-term careers in retail, training and leadership. Others use the skills and support they gain as a springboard into different industries.

No matter the path, the impact is the same: Goodwill helps people reach their highest potential and achieve self-sufficiency.

So the next time you clean out your closet, remember—you’re doing more than making space. You’re helping someone else take steps toward a better future.

Grand opening: new Career Center + store in Clanton

Goodwill’s reach is growing! The nonprofit just opened a brand-new retail store and Career Center in Clanton, so shoppers now have another spot to find hidden gems. A full Career Center will be opening soon, bringing job search support and career services right to the community’s backyard.

In the meantime, the new Career Center space is available for community events, workshops and more. Reach out to Alabama Goodwill if you’re interested in using the space at info@alabamagoodwill.org.

• Location: 224 Town Mart, Clanton, AL 35045

So the next time you donate or shop at an Alabama Goodwill, know that you’re helping create jobs, fuel education + support your neighbors across the state. 

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