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      Why should I donate to my local Goodwill rather than another thrift store?

Goodwill Stores are linked to a great cause -- about 84 percent of Goodwill's revenues go directly into employment and training programs for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment! For-profit thrift stores sometimes arrange to use a charity's name to collect donations in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of the revenue. Often this deal is not generally publicized, and the percentage that charity actually makes may be less than 5 cents for every dollar spent. Make your donations wisely!

      It seems like Goodwill services vary in different geographic locations. Why is this?

Each Goodwill organization operates autonomously. Goodwill organizations strive to identify the needs of the community and the demand of local industry for employment. Based on the needs of the community, each local Goodwill designs programs and services that give Goodwill graduates the skills they need to find work right where they live.

      What happens to donated items that aren't sold at Goodwill stores?

Our goal is to try to generate money to fund our programs from every item that is donated. So in most cases, we'll do what we can to get items in saleable shape. As for items that can't be sold in our stores, we've found other creative uses for them. For instance, we recycle old clothing scraps into industrial wipes (cleaning cloths) for industrial buyers. Other items that are too damaged for retail sales are sold to salvage brokers. 

      If I shop at a Goodwill store, will I be depriving disadvantaged people of stuff they need?

No. Goodwill serves disadvantaged people by educating, training and placing them into jobs. By becoming gainfully employed, these individuals gain resources to buy the things they need. Many disadvantaged people who are in training or are employed by Goodwill Industries are offered vouchers or discounts at Goodwill retail stores.

      Who does LLGI help?

LLGI serves those with barriers to employment. This includes individuals with disabilities, people with limited work history, those who have experienced corporate downsizing and recipients of government support programs. Goodwill's services are designed to meet the training and placement needs of the individual.  Please see our Services and Programs page for more information.

      What are unacceptable donations? 

Click here.

      Do you take computers? 

Yes.  We also take peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.). 

      Do you take furniture?

We do take some furniture, (please see the unacceptable donations list here).  Currently, our Dirsken Parkway Store in Springfield and the Jacksonville Store takes furniture.  You may drop off acceptable furniture at these locations only during drop off hours.  Stores have right to refuse donation after inspection.

      I unintentionally donated something, can I get it back?

It depends - Call the store you donated to and leave a message.  The Store Manager or Assistant Manager will return your call and determine if your item can be retrieved.  Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that we can retrieve your item once it is donated. 

      When can I drop off donation items?

Monday thru Saturday - 8:00 AM to store closing; Sunday's - Noon to store closing. Click here for store hours and locations.

      Do you make house calls to pick up donations?

No.

      If I want to buy something in a Goodwill store, do you take checks, credit and debit cards?

In-state checks require identification with a picture - drivers license, student ID, etc. We do NOT accept out-of-state checks. Credit (Visa/Mastercard/Discover) and debit cards are accepted.

      What kind of items are in the stores?

We have a variety of items that change every day - if your in the neighborhood, please stop by and take a look!

      Do you take clothing with tears/stains or needing repair for rags? 

Yes - In limited amounts, no truck loads please.  Please separate these from any good clothing prior to drop off.

      Can I get a donation receipt for tax purposes?

Yes, you may request a receipt at the donation door or from an attended donation truck where you drop off your items.

      I filled out my employment application, where do I drop it off? 

At any LLGI Store or at the Administrative Office -  click here for Store locations and hours or here for Adminstrative Office hours.

      Does Goodwill offer volunteer opportunities?

Please click here for the Donation/Volunteer page.

      I have a question about store policies and operations. Who can help me?  

Please contact the VP of Retail Operations at the Administrative Office here.