SPRING NEWSLETTER 🌷

Spring cleaning season is officially here, and your donations are doing more than you think! Every bag of gently used goods you drop off at Goodwill turns into career support, training, education, and a second chance for someone in our community. This spring, we're excited to share our 2025 community impact report, new partnerships, and how your donations and purchases support our community members. So open the windows, let in the fresh air, and dive into what's happening at Goodwill this season!

COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

As we reflect on 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication and generosity that continue to move Goodwill Industries of the Valleys forward. This year marked a period of meaningful growth and momentum as we advanced our mission and expanded opportunities for individuals and families across the communities we serve.

911,184

Total Donations

26,931

People served through Goodwill programs

10,326

Services provided by My Career Advisor

103

Students and children in childcare served through the Excel Center

12,089,689

Pounds of materials kept out of landfills

Learn More

At Goodwill, our vision is bold and audacious: End poverty.

To do that, we help people find a job, train for a better job, or earn life skills that help them live more independently.

Services like My Career Advisor offer resume-building, skills training, and job search tools. Career Navigation helps individuals develop their skill sets, complete trainings, and earn credentials that empower them to reach their career goals.

The Excel Center is a free high school for adult students working to complete their high school diploma. At the Excel Center, students receive these credits while earning industry-recognized credentials. Beyond academics, we provide wrap-around services that are proven to eliminate barriers for adult students so they can succeed.

CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER

If the thought of spring cleaning your entire home feels overwhelming, try power sessions. A power session is a short, focused burst of decluttering that's dedicated to one specific area. For example, a single drawer or the top of a dresser. Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, you can make satisfying progress in manageable 15 to 45 minute increments. You'll feel motivated by the small wins with each area you tackle.

To get the most out of a power session, start with a simple system: keep, donate and toss. Focus on quick decisions rather than overthinking each item. Use a timer to stay focused, remove obvious trash first for an easy win, and stop when the timer ends so you don't burn out. Even a few power sessions a week can lead to noticeable results over time, helping you create a cleaner, calmer space just in time for the new season.

If you find yourself with a large "donate" pile and need help transporting the items, reach out to our partner ReSupply. They can pick up items as early as 48 hours from multiple floors and will even disassemble furniture.

Getting rid of what you don't want might leave you feeling like finding what you do want in your home. Why not check out your local Goodwill to see what affordable finds you can score? Click on the video to the left to go shopping with David, our Hollins store team member. He'll give you the inside scoop!

Have a celebration coming up? With prom and Easter around the corner, you might be in need of dressy attire. At Goodwill, shopping for outfits you probably won't wear twice can be similar to renting without the high price tags. Buy once, wear as long as you'd like, then donate the item back for someone else's special moment. It's sustainable and cost effective.

THE EXCEL CENTER

We're happy to announce our partnership with Virginia Western Community College. This collaboration will allow students the opportunity to graduate with an industry-recognized certification in addition to their standard high school diploma.

This special opportunity will equip students with the credentials they need to thrive in whichever career pathway they choose to explore after graduation.

The Excel Center also celebrated completing Term 3 late February. A ceremony was held to honor students for outstanding attendance, Subject Superstars, A/B and A Honor Roll achievements, successful completion of Standards of Learning (SOL) exams and Character Awards for perseverance and leadership.

The event highlighted both academic success and personal growth, core elements of the Excel Center experience. Faculty and leadership applauded students for overcoming obstacles, supporting one another, and remaining focused on earning their high school diplomas.

This celebration’s theme, “Watch Us Grow,” was woven throughout the ceremony. Despite significant challenges, including winter weather disruptions, seasonal illness, and the everyday responsibilities of work and family, students demonstrated resilience and commitment.

Many balanced jobs, children, and other personal obligations while continuing to show up, stay engaged, and push toward their goals. The Term 3 Celebration served as a powerful reminder that growth often happens in challenging seasons and that with determination, encouragement, and opportunity, students can and do rise above.

Thinking about going back to school to move forward in your career? The Excel Center is always accepting applications. To learn more and to apply, click here.