Westfield residents slow to donate to Goodwill

Date: 1/27/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD Donations to the Westfield Goodwill on Franklin Avenue were slow coming, but that didn't stop the organization from exceeding their 2008 Year-End Donation Drive goal of 500,000 pounds.

According to David Minnuto, director of business development for Goodwill Industries, the Westfield location collected approximately 45,000 of the 500,124 pounds collected at month-long drive in December. The annual push for donations keeps the Goodwill locations in Western Massachusetts stocked during the early months of each year, a time typically slow for donations.

"Every year, this community embraces our organization and mission by braving the December climate and delivering their donated goods that put us over the top," Goodwill President Steve Mundahl said. "The generosity is incredible and I send our sincere gratitude to every donor."

Minnuto noted that each year the organization raises the donation goal by 100,000 pounds. He said donations are needed now more than ever in light of the deteriorating economic climate.

Julie Gornall, vice president of retail operations for Goodwill, explained that donations have slowed significantly since the December campaign and are not expected to pick up until after March.

She attributed the Westfield location's low donations to its standalone location, isolated from the majority of the city's retail outlets. Gornall noted that the vast majority of the drive's donations came into their Springfield locations and the off-site drop locations at Holyoke Mall and Rocky's Ace Hardware.

Minnuto noted that 18,000 pounds were collected at a day-long drive at Rocky's and 8,500 pounds were received over the course of a two-day campaign at Holyoke Mall.

"Goodwill's partnerships with local businesses and media organizations are the key to achieving our goals," he said. "I cannot thank these organizations and individuals enough for all their effort in making our 2008 Year-End Drive a huge success."

Minnuto said Goodwill Industries is likely to increase the goal to 600,000 pounds or more next year.

For more information about Goodwill locations or how to donate, visit
Minnuto noted that each year the organization raises the donation goal by 100,000 pounds. He said donations are needed now more than ever in light of the deteriorating economic climate.

Julie Gornall, vice president of retail operations for Goodwill, explained that donations have slowed significantly since the December campaign and are not expected to pick up until after March.

She attributed the Westfield location's low donations to its standalone location, isolated from the majority of the city's retail outlets. Gornall noted that the vast majority of the drive's donations came into their Springfield locations and the off-site drop locations at Holyoke Mall and Rocky's Ace Hardware.

Minnuto noted that 18,000 pounds were collected at a day-long drive at Rocky's and 8,500 pounds were received over the course of a two-day campaign at Holyoke Mall.

"Goodwill's partnerships with local businesses and media organizations are the key to achieving our goals," he said. "I cannot thank these organizations and individuals enough for all their effort in making our 2008 Year-End Drive a huge success."

Minnuto said Goodwill Industries is likely to increase the goal to 600,000 pounds or more next year.

For more information about Goodwill locations or how to donate, visit www.ourgoodwill.org.