Bringing Sustainable Shopping and Support for a Better Community
Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening of their first Mini Shop & Donation Drop in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. This innovative addition to the Goodwill family not only provides a unique shopping experience but also contributes to reducing New Yorkers’ carbon footprint and funds vital programs that connect individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
A New Shopping Experience: The Goodwill Mini Shop & Donation Drop is a novel concept, offering a more compact shopping experience compared to traditional Goodwill stores and donation centers. It presents a curated selection of pre-loved donated goods, including home décor, books, glassware, knick-knacks, and other fantastic finds. This 1,000-square-foot store aims to be a sustainability resource for Upper East Siders, encouraging them to reuse and repurpose clothing and goods they no longer need.
Sustainable Impact: In 2022, Goodwill NYNJ played a pivotal role in helping people in the region reuse more than 38 million pounds of pre-loved clothing and home goods, diverting them from landfills and saving nearly 57,000 metric tons of CO2 from polluting the atmosphere. An impressive number of nearly 1 million people contributed by donating their clothing and goods at Goodwill sites in 2022.
Location and Operation: The Goodwill Mini Shop & Donation Drop is conveniently situated at 1496 1st Ave. (between 78th/79th Streets) in New York, New York 10075. It opens its doors every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This location marks the third Goodwill presence in the Upper East Side, complementing the traditional Goodwill stores and donation centers at 1114 1st Avenue and 1704 2nd Avenue.
Supporting a Worthy Cause: As a nonprofit organization, Goodwill ensures that donors receive tax receipts for their contributions upon request. The revenue generated from Goodwill’s retail locations, including stores, outlets, attended donation centers, and the online site ShopGoodwill.com/NYNJ, goes a long way in supporting the organization’s mission. This includes providing training, job connections, on-the-job coaching, and retention services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers on their journey to employment and self-sufficiency. Goodwill NYNJ also offers behavioral health services to help individuals with mental health conditions maintain their well-being and employment.
Empowering the Community: In 2022, Goodwill NYNJ’s impact was profound, with services provided to over 9,000 individuals who were underemployed or unemployed, including approximately half of them being people with disabilities. During the past year, Goodwill NYNJ successfully placed 1,042 people in new jobs, including 565 individuals with disabilities, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. These job placements extend beyond the stores, encompassing positions in hospitals, healthcare centers, tech and accounting firms, warehousing, manufacturing sectors, and even NYC agencies. Residents of the Upper East Side play a crucial role in advancing Goodwill’s mission when they generously donate their usable belongings to Goodwill stores.
Conclusion: The opening of the First Goodwill Mini Shop & Donation Drop in New York City is a testament to the organization’s commitment to sustainability, community support, and helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. This exciting addition to the Upper East Side brings unique shopping opportunities while making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of many New Yorkers. As Goodwill NYNJ continues to expand its footprint, its dedication to empowering individuals and serving the community remains unwavering.
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