Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Who can benefit from Goodwill?
Answer: Goodwill benefits anyone with a barrier to employment. A barrier to employment is not always a mental or physical barrier, but can be a displaced worker due to incarceration, a veteran returning from duty, etc.

Question: How are items priced in the stores?
Answer: Goodwill has surveyed several thrift stores in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. Its prices are very competitive and there does not seem to be disparity amongst area thrift stores. Goodwill does have approximately 15% new goods in its stores from big box retailers, and some of the items are priced higher than traditional gently used items. However, they are deeply discounted from traditional retail prices.

Question: How is the revenue from Goodwill’s 14 stores used?
Answer: Goodwill has approximately 20 training programs that provide specific and non-specific skill sets to those in need of assistance including resume building, interviewing protocol, Certified Nurse Aide Training, Youth to Employment, Hospitality Services, Veterans Services, etc.

Question: What does Goodwill do with the items that are donated and are not sold in its stores?
Answer: Once an item is donated it is determined if the quality meets the standards to place on the sales floor. If an item is placed on the floor and is not sold after two weeks it goes to the Outlet Store. If the item is not sold there it is then recycled. If an item does not meet the standards to be placed on the sales floor it is recycled. Goodwill is the largest recycler in the world in terms of textiles.

Question: How can you help?
Answer: You can make a designated or non-designated donation to one of 20 plus training programs.