Nowadays, the internet is the primary source for information, facts and resources. However, it’s important to note that not everything you find online is true. You may have seen social media posts and articles spreading misinformation – and that includes online rumors about Goodwill. If you want to know the truth, we’re here to debunk the myths about Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ and Philadelphia.
MYTH: Goodwill is owned by Mark Curran who makes $2.3 million in profits
FACT: As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Goodwill does NOT have an owner
Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia’s President & CEO, Mark Boyd, is appointed by a locally elected Board of Trustees. Mark Curran does NOT own Goodwill, nor does he work at Goodwill. The CEO of Goodwill Industries International is Steven Preston who reports to a volunteer board of directors. No CEO at Goodwill makes millions in profits. Compensation for Goodwill CEOs adheres to the industry standards of the nonprofit sector.
MYTH: Goodwill employees get first dibs on donated items
FACT: Goodwill has a strict policy to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to shop at its stores
Goodwill team members are prohibited from stashing or hiding items. Goodwill has strict policies regarding access to donations prior to processing and display for sale. Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia thoroughly investigates any concerns related to this and ensures alignment with our values and best practices.
MYTH: Donated goods that don’t sell get thrown out or get shipped to third world countries
FACT: Unsold items are further recycled to minimize waste
Each year, Goodwill Industries of Southern NJ & Philadelphia diverts more than 100 pounds of reusable items from landfills. Items that are not sold in our stores get transferred to our Goodwill Outlet Store where they are sold by the pound. Whatever is not sold will then be recycled to minimize waste. Our Goodwill’s salvage operation involves shipping items to accredited recycling partners for further reuse and recycling. We strive to maximize recycling efforts, advocating a sustainable operation model.
MYTH: Only a small percentage of your profits support Goodwill’s mission services
FACT: Your contributions directly fund Goodwill’s job training programs and career services.
Goodwill manages all funding channels – from retail and online sales to private donations/grants, state/federal grants, staffing services, and business contracts – ensuring responsible stewardship. The revenue generated from donations help individuals with barriers to employment achieve the power of work by funding job training programs and career services. This includes Goodwill’s Helms Academy, which offers a tuition-free pathway for individuals to earn a high school diploma while simultaneously earning up to 30 college credits. We also offer CDL and forklift certification programs, digital skills programs, job coaching, and more.
Job Training Programs
MYTH: Goodwill is a disaster relief organization
FACT: Goodwill is NOT a relief organization
Goodwill is NOT set up to be a relief agency. Goodwill’s charity is to facilitate access to another sustaining need: Employment. Goodwill’s mission corresponds with the 4th phase of Emergency Management – Recovery. Our programs and services are accessible as soon as individuals are ready to enter the workforce, which is the final step in achieving financial independence and completing their path to full recovery.
In a world where online rumors spread quickly, it’s important to research the organizations you support. At Goodwill, we remain committed to transparency and using donations to empower individuals through employment, strengthen families, and build better communities—one job at a time.
