Cold Weather, Big Impact: How Your Donations Help Right Now
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This winter’s deep freeze is doing more than driving up heating bills—it’s also causing a huge dip in donations to Goodwill of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Because of the prolonged frigid weather, donations across our region have dropped to critically low levels. When donations slow down, the ripple effect is real and immediate. Fewer donations mean fewer items on our sales floors, which directly impacts the funding that supports our job training programs, career services and education opportunities for people in our community.
Why Donations Matter—Especially Now
As a local nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our community to power our mission. Instead of government funding, we fund our programs by selling donated items in our local thrift stores. Every bag or box you donate helps fuel programs that prepare individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment for competitive jobs.
Donations also play a critical role in sustainability. Last year alone, Goodwill helped keep more than 80 million pounds of textiles out of landfills through reuse and recycling efforts.
As Goodwill President and CEO Mark B. Boyd explains:
The cold weather is keeping both donors and shoppers away and hurting our business model… A dip in donations impacts us on every level. When you donate to Goodwill, you help people in your community earn jobs, advance their careers and care for their families.
Declutter From Home—Donation Options Made Easy
Cold days are a great time to stay in, take stock of your space and start decluttering. If you’re stuck at home during this big freeze, there’s no better time to get your space in order. Once you’ve sorted through what you no longer need, we make it easy to donate, whether you prefer to stay warm or head outside. Here are several safe and convenient ways to give:
Drop Off at a Donation Center
Visit any local Goodwill donation site. All locations are staffed by friendly donor services attendants who can help make your visit quick and easy. Find Your local goodwill at goodwillnj.org/store-locator
Schedule a Free Uber Donation Pickup
Staying inside? You can schedule a free Uber pickup for up to five bags or boxes of gently used donations. It’s a simple way to declutter without leaving home.
Schools, churches, companies, condo communities and civic groups can turn giving into a meaningful service project by hosting a Goodwill Donation Drive. It’s a great way to support neighbors while clearing out items that no longer serve you.
For more information on starting a donation drive, please email jboyd@goodwillnj.org.
Giving Back Comes With Added Benefits
Beyond the life-changing impact of your donation, giving to Goodwill is also tax deductible by law. All donation centers are staffed by friendly team members who can assist with your donation or help you use our computerized kiosks that generate donation receipts on the spot. Donors can also track their giving year-round and reprint receipts using our online Donation Tracker.
Help Us Weather the Storm—Together
This winter, your gently used clothing, accessories, household goods and electronics can make a powerful difference. By donating during this challenging season, you’re helping ensure our programs remain available for those who need them most—right here in Southern/Central New Jersey and Philadelphia.
Find a donation center, schedule a pickup or learn more about how you can help at goodwillnj.org.
Together, we can turn a season of cold into a season of opportunity.
