FALL NEWSLETTER 🍂

Fall is here—the season of cozy sweaters, apple picking and pumpkin-spice everything. It's also the start of the school year. Here at Goodwill, we're excited to announce classes have begun at our new Excel Center in Roanoke. Education is the foundation from which individuals can reach new career opportunities, and we’re thrilled to offer this resource along with free on-site childcare, life coaches and additional support services.

We've also opened the doors to our new store in Danville, VA. With its convenient location, spacious shopping area and ample parking, it's easy to add a visit to your shopping routine if you live in the Southside region.

As we approach the end of the year, fall reminds us to pause and reflect. Here at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, we'll reflect on how to best serve our community for generations to come as we celebrate our 94th anniversary this October.

IT'S SPOOKY SEASON🕸️

Already know what you'll dress up as for Halloween? We're no fortune tellers, but a trip to your local Goodwill sounds destined to be! 🔮

Not only do we have plenty of clothes to choose from, but you can also pick up fun accessories like wigs and masks to complete your creative look.

Haven't even started thinking of your costume? No worries! Browse our racks to get inspired. Planning a duo or group costume? Bring friends along to coordinate your favorite finds!

Don't forget to enter our contest by midnight November 2nd. Post your costume on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Tag it with #FindYourSpooky and @GoodwillValleys.

Two lucky shoppers will be chosen at random to win $250 Goodwill gift cards. For more contest details and Halloween inspiration visit our website.

Have you thought about what will happen to your costume after the trick-or-treating and Halloween parties are over? Keep what you'd like to reuse and donate the rest back to Goodwill. Someone else's perfect costume might start with your finds and every donation fuels job-seeker services in your community.

We know spooky season isn’t just about Halloween and costumes. That's why we have fall décor to make your home feel festive all season long.

From pumpkin themed mugs and kitchen towels to donated goods waiting to be transformed by your favorite DIYs, we've got something for everyone. Check out our reel to see what we've got in store this spooky season!

On August 25th, the Excel Center opened its doors to the first 50 students. As the first adult high school in the Commonwealth, the school is a history-making addition to Melrose Plaza. Along with diplomas, students also earn industry certificates to set them up for success.

"The Excel Center encapsulates the true mission and values of Goodwill," said Richmond Vincent, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. "Students will be empowered, inspire their families and neighbors, and break the cycles of generation poverty."

With 8-week sessions, we're currently recruiting adult learners to start at the end of October. If you're interested, enroll here or share the good news with someone who could benefit from the Excel Center's services.

"The Excel Center will provide life-changing educational opportunities to residents of the Roanoke area without a high school diploma," said Bruce Major, Director of the Excel Center. "If you know someone without a high school diploma, we hope you will tell them about the opportunities that are available at The Excel Center."

Beyond grocery shopping at Market on Melrose, you can now grab food at Henrietta's, take fitness and dance classes at Wellness on Melrose, get creative in the free open studio space, or catch an educational lecture with the Sankofa Academy.

Keep up to date on all events and classes by visiting the event calendar. We're excited the Harrison Museum will open its doors soon at Melrose Plaza.

NEW STORE - DANVILLE 🛍️

Our team members and the Danville community celebrated the Grand Opening of our newest store on August 26th.

The Danville store is a combination of our Westover and Tuscarora locations, so be sure to stop in and say hello to the friendly faces you know from our previous locations.

The first shoppers enjoyed free tote bags and the best shot at finding gift cards hidden throughout the store ($500 total in value)!

Speaking of new . . . did you know our stores are going bagless? You might have noticed the fun new reuseable bag designs at checkout. Priced at only $1, these trendy totes will help us save millions of plastic bags from filling our landfills. In just 2024 alone, more than 2 million plastic bags went home with Goodwill customers.

We know our shoppers are already savvy, sustainable treasure hunters, but we thank each and every customer for their support as we say goodbye to all single-use plastic bags at our Goodwill stores on October 1st.