Goodwill looks to achieve 500,000 pound goal

Date: 12/22/2008

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



Goodwill Industries of the Springfield/Hartford Area has raised the bar for their Year-End Donation Drive again this year by increasing the goal by 100,000 pounds.

The mission is to collect 500,000 pounds of new or gently used clothing and other goods by Dec. 31. David Minnuto, director of business development for Goodwill Industries of the Springfield/Hartford Area, said he believes the goal is attainable because the 2007 Year-End Donation Drive surpassed its 400,000 pound goal.

"Every year we try to take it to the next level and this community's generosity always puts us over the top," Goodwill President Steve Mundahl said. "This massive effort to collect donations this time of year is crucial to providing our shoppers with quality during these winter months. With the increase in consumers seeking our low-cost retail goods, never has a donation drive been more important to our agency."

Minnuto agreed, adding that donations are "needed now more than ever" given the economic downturn.

Goodwill Industries in conjunction with Rocky's Ace Hardware and the Holyoke Mall will be conducting a donation drive to cap off the campaign as well as provide added incentives for donors. Those who donate items at Rocky's 10 Springfield St., Agawam; 28 N. Main St., East Longmeadow; 487 Newton St., South Hadley; 50 Island Pond Rd., Springfield; 1381 Liberty St., Springfield; 2 Free St., Westfield on Dec. 27 will also receive a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more.

Another donation drive will take place Dec. 29 and 30 in conjunction with the Holyoke Mall. Donors will receive coupons for various stores throughout the mall.

"Both Rocky's and the Holyoke Mall have really stepped up in a big way for Goodwill by hosting these donation drives," Minnuto said. "With the community's support, we will reach our goal of 500,000 pounds by Dec. 31."

He noted that all monetary donations made during the drives will go toward job training and employment services for local residents with disabilities and disadvantages.

Donations can also be made at any Goodwill Retail Store or at the Goodwill Headquarters at 285 Dorset St., Springfield.

Those with larger donations such as furniture can call 232-5284 for home pickups.

For more information about the 2008 Year-End Donation Drive visit www.ourgoodwill.org.