As summer begins to wind down and August arrives, our minds naturally shift toward fresh starts. Whether you’re getting the kids ready for another academic year, refreshing your closet, or thinking about your own goals, August is the ultimate transition month.
This year, you can make the back-to-school season work for your entire family, your community, and your personal future. Here is how you can shop smart, declutter with purpose, and even take the leap to finish your own education this month.
Shop Smart for the Back-to-School Season
Preparing for a new school year shouldn’t break the bank. Buying new clothes, backpacks, and supplies can add up fast, but taking an alternative approach to shopping makes it affordable and fun.
At Goodwill, we stock our shelves for the fall season with a wide selection of back-to-school essentials:
- Trendy apparel & shoes for kids, teens, and adults.
- School supplies and dorm room essentials at a fraction of retail prices.
- Unique vintage and staple items that help students stand out with their own personal style.
Shopping secondhand isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s also a great way to practice sustainable living by giving quality items a second life.
Donate as You Clear Out Closets for the New School Year
Before you load up your closets with new gear, it’s the perfect time for a cleanout. Clearing out worn-out styles, outgrown kids’ clothes, and extra household items makes space for what’s next while helping others in your community.
Making a difference during this back-to-school season is easier than ever, whether you prefer to drop off your items in person or scheduling a hassle-free donation pickup :
- In-Person Drop-Offs: Prefer to swing by while out running errands? All of our retail stores and Attended Donation Centers welcome drop-offs during regular business hours!
- Free Courier Pickup: Have bagged or boxed goods ready to go? We offer free courier pickup for up to 5 bags or boxes right from your address within our service territory!
- Mobile Donation Unit: Planning a major multi-room cleanout, home move, or community drive? Request our Mobile Donation Unit —we’ll park a donation trailer in your driveway or business location for up to three days at no cost so you can fill it at your own pace.
- Large Items & Furniture Pickups: Have large furniture, desk sets, or bulky items? Our partners at ReSupply offer fast, fee-based home pickups for large donations.
- Most Valuable Donor Program: Have high-end designer pieces, fine art, luxury accessories, or rare collectibles? Our Most Valuable Donor Program offers white-glove pickup for specialty items, managing the sale through our secure e-commerce platform and providing IRS documentation reflecting the actual cash value. (Please note: Submitting a request does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as items are evaluated based on brand, condition, and current online marketability).
Whatever you’re clearing out during this back-to-school season, your donations directly fund local job training and workforce development programs, while keeping valuable goods out of local landfills!
It’s Never Too Late to Go Back-to-School: Discover Goodwill’s Helms Academy
While the kids head back to the classroom, why not think about your next chapter? The back-to-school season isn’t just for children and young adults—it’s for anyone with a goal to achieve.
If you’re looking to earn your high school diploma or GED, Goodwill’s Helms Academy is here to help you take that step—completely free of charge.
Why Choose Goodwill’s Helms Academy?
- Earn Your High School Diploma or GED: Open doors to new career paths, higher earnings, and personal pride.
- Flexible Adult Education: Designed specifically around the busy lives of adults, offering flexible scheduling to fit work and family life.
- Tuition-Free & Supportive: Access full educational support, tutoring, and guidance without financial stress.
It is never too late to invest in yourself. Make this back-to-school season the turn of a page in your own story.
Ready to Make an Impact This August?
Whether you’re browsing our aisles for back-to-school outfits, scheduling a donation pickup to clear out your home, or enrolling in Goodwill’s Helms Academy to rewrite your future, your support changes lives in our community.
Stop by a store near you, schedule your donation pickup online, or reach out to Goodwill’s Helms Academy today to get started!
