FAQ2020-02-19T16:10:58-06:00

Frequently Asked Questions About Goodwill Land of Lincoln

Why should I donate to my local Goodwill rather than another thrift store?2020-02-19T14:13:45-06:00

Goodwill Stores are linked to a great cause — about 88 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?2020-02-19T14:13:35-06:00

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?2020-02-19T14:13:01-06:00

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 shape to sell. 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, stuffed animals, shoes, etc., by bundling them and selling these to salvage buyers. Other items that are too damaged for retail sales are sold to salvage brokers or broken down into pieces and recycled.

If I shop at a Goodwill store, will I be depriving disadvantaged people of stuff they need?2020-02-19T14:12:41-06:00

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.

Whom does LLGI help?2024-03-18T09:59:23-05:00

LLGI serves those with barriers to employment. This includes individuals with disabilities, people with limited work history and criminal backgrounds, 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.

Does Land of Lincoln Goodwill have blue or red/white drop boxes?2020-02-19T14:11:41-06:00

Land of Lincoln Goodwill does not utilize drop boxes for donations. Donations can be dropped at any of the Goodwill stores during regular hours.

What are unacceptable donations?2020-02-19T14:11:22-06:00
Do you take computers?2020-02-19T14:10:32-06:00

Yes. We take computers and computer peripherals (mice, keyboards, monitors, etc.). LLGI has partnered with Dell Computers to help the environment – Please see the Computer Recycling page for more information.

Do you take furniture?2020-02-19T14:10:02-06:00

We do take some furniture, (please see the unacceptable donations list here). You may drop off acceptable furniture at any of our retail locations only during regular hours. Stores have the right to refuse donation after inspection.

I unintentionally donated something. Can I get it back?2020-02-19T14:09:15-06:00

Maybe – 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?2020-05-28T12:17:18-05:00

Monday thru Saturday – 10:00 AM to store closing; Sundays – Noon to store closing.

Do you make house calls to pick up donations?2020-02-19T14:08:33-06:00

No.

If I want to buy something in a Goodwill store, do you take checks, credit and debit cards?2020-02-19T14:08:20-06:00

We do not accept checks. Credit (Visa/MasterCard/Discover) and debit cards are accepted.

Can I get a donation receipt for tax purposes?2021-01-15T10:22:44-06:00

Yes, you may request a receipt by emailing us at customercomments@llgi.org.

Does Goodwill offer volunteer opportunities?2020-02-19T14:07:31-06:00

Please click here to download a copy of our Volunteer brochure.

For other questions, please call our Administrative Office at 217-789-0400, or email us at info@llgi.org

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