Frequently Asked Questions About Goodwill Land of Lincoln

When you donate to Goodwill, your generosity does more than give items a second life—it helps change lives. Revenue from donated goods supports job training, employment placement, youth programs, and essential community services that help individuals overcome barriers and build greater independence. Unlike many thrift stores, Goodwill’s mission goes beyond resale by directly investing in people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for those who need them most. In addition, Goodwill is one of the world’s leading providers of sustainability and creating programs to save our planet.

Goodwill services can vary by geographic area because each local Goodwill organization operates independently as a nonprofit, allowing programs and services to be tailored to the unique needs of the communities they serve. While all Goodwill organizations share a common mission of helping individuals overcome barriers through the power of work, each region may focus on different services—such as job training, youth programs, veteran support, or community resources—based on local workforce needs, funding opportunities, and community priorities.

When items don’t sell in a Goodwill store, we work hard to keep them out of landfills whenever possible. Many unsold items are rotated to outlet stores, or sold through salvage and recycling channels, where textiles, electronics, metals, and other materials can often be repurposed or recycled. This process helps maximize the value of every donation, supports Goodwill’s mission-driven programs, and reinforces our commitment to environmental sustainability.

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.

Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries helps individuals across central Illinois who are facing barriers to employment, including people seeking job training, youth building career skills, individuals re-entering the workforce, and others looking for support to achieve greater independence.

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

Read more about acceptable and unacceptable donations to Goodwill.

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

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.

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.

Monday thru Saturday – 10:00 AM to store closing; Sundays – Noon to store closing. Find our Store Locations here.

It depends. We partner with a company called ReSupply that will evaluate the donation and offer you an estimate to move your items to our donation door. You may call (857) 678-2530 or visit ReSupply.

Credit (Visa/MasterCard/Discover), debit cards and Land of Lincoln Gift Cards are accepted. We do not accept checks.

Yes, you can visit our Donation page or request a receipt by emailing us at info@llgi.org.

Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about ways you can help!

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

Goodwill is a Drug Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer

Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, order of protection status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations where appropriate. We make hiring decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

I love shopping at Land of Lincoln Goodwill because………

It’s the excitement of not knowing what you’ll find, the hours of looking, reminiscing, finding new and retro things. Goodwill is my happy place.
Teresa
The thrill of the hunt!
Kristi
I love shopping at Land of Lincoln Goodwill because it allows me to have a fun wardrobe for working in a school without breaking the bank!
Alaina
They allow people to give new life to previously loved items.
Litina
It fills my second-hand shopping addiction.
Rebekah
I love it for so many reasons.
Lisa
I find one-of-a-kind items and keep usable items out of landfills.
Kori
Thrifting is good for the planet.
Jamie
Supporting local thrift stores is an amazing way to give back to the community.
Shawna
It helps me to reduce, renew, and reuse!
Diana
I love shopping at Land of Lincoln Goodwill because it helps the mission and they have great deals!
Karen

I love shopping at Land of Lincoln Goodwill because there are always super friendly staff and honestly is very clean for being a second-hand store!

Amber
Great finds and great employees…my stress relief for the day!
Cindy