Our recent trip to Goodwill Redesign.

Goodwill Redesign 101 and Thunderbird in Peoria

8679 W Ludlow Drive

Peoria, AZ 85381

Goodwill Redesign Scottsdale

2115 N Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Here are some photos that we took on a recent trip to Goodwill’s Redesign store at the 101 and Thunderbird in Peoria.

Click here to view more photos from our trip to Redesign.

Goodwill Redesign 101 and Thunderbird in Peoria

8679 W Ludlow Drive

Peoria, AZ 85381

Goodwill Redesign Scottsdale

2115 N Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

On May 7, 2013, Goodwill of Central Arizona will host Job Fair Palooza. Employers all across the Valley will be at each Goodwill Career Center hiring for open positions across a variety of industries and skill levels.

Goodwill Career Centers provide job training and placement services to job seekers. If you’re looking for a job, visiting a Goodwill Career Center and meeting with a career advisor can be your first step toward a new job.

There are 15 Goodwill Career Centers across in the Phoenix area, Yuma, and Prescott. To find the Career Center nearest you, visit: https://www.goodwillaz.org/job-training/

Job Fair Palooza

May 7, 2013
Goodwill of Central Arizona Career Centers
For more information, call 602-535-4000.

From assisting job seekers in our Career Centers, to providing support at special events, our Goodwill volunteers play a critical role in our efforts to put people to work.

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, Goodwill of Central Arizona will be celebrating our volunteers at a special appreciation luncheon on April 26. We’ll also be teaming up with youth volunteers for Global Youth Service Day on April 27 to get our 58th Avenue and Camelback store ready for its grand opening.

Congratulations and thank you to Goodwill of Central Arizona’s Volunteer Department, and all of our Goodwill volunteers!

Information about volunteering for Goodwill

The award may be used for tuition, fees and books. Criteria for selection include demonstrated financial need, past participation in either a vocational education program or workforce re-entry program at Goodwill of Central Arizona, enrollment at a Maricopa Community College or Skill Center; other criteria apply. Students seeking other scholarships for the upcoming semesters can find information on the Foundation’s website, maricopa.edu/foundation/apply.

This scholarship fund is a great benefit to students and creates an extraordinary partnership, said Dr. Steven Helfgot, President and CEO of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. We are grateful to Goodwill of Central Arizona for taking this step to increase educational opportunity at the Maricopa Community Colleges. It’s also
a wonderful tribute to a strong local organization that is still thriving and continuing its commitment to the residents of Maricopa County after more than 60 years. We could not be more proud than to be associated with Goodwill in this effort.

We are proud to partner with Maricopa Community Colleges in a coordinated effort to provide Arizonans with the education and skills they need to compete in today’s labor market, said Jim Teter, President and CEO of Goodwill of Central Arizona. This scholarship fund is an exciting opportunity for us to further support our clients in their quest for sustainable employment.

About Goodwill of Central Arizona

Since 1947, Goodwill of Central Arizona has provided job training, education and employment services for youth and adults with barriers to employment. In 2012, they provided services to nearly 42,000 central Arizonans. The central Arizona organization includes Maricopa, Yuma, La Paz, Gila and portions of Pinal and Yavapai Counties. As one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in the Valley, it is governed by a local, volunteer Board of Directors. www.goodwillaz.org.

About the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization designated by the Maricopa County Community College District to receive and manage gifts on behalf of its 10 colleges. The Foundation¹s vision is to ensure educational access, opportunity, and excellence and to enrich individuals, communities and the economy in Maricopa County. In 2010 – 11, the Foundation awarded more than 2,700 scholarships, totaling $1,794,003.  www.maricopa.edu/foundation.

When you donate to Goodwill, you’re preventing things like clothing, furniture, and toys, from ending up in a landfill. In 2012, Goodwill of Central Arizona kept over 113 million pounds of materials out of Arizona landfills.

What’s good for the environment is also good for our community. Donations to and purchases at Goodwill of Central Arizona support programs like recruitment events and job fairs, computer and customer service training, senior community service employment and transitional jobs training that Put People to Work in our community!

Career Expo attendees had the opportunity to visit with local hiring employers, attend employment workshops, and receive job search advice from onsite Goodwill Career Advisors.

Organizations interested in taking part in future job fairs and career expos are encouraged to contact Victor Carbajal at 602.535.4170 or via email at victor.carbajal@goodwillaz.org.

Learn more about Goodwill’s job skills training programs and services, find a Career Center near you, or check out dates for upcoming Goodwill career fairs. 

Donations and purchases to Goodwill of Central Arizona support mission services to Put People to Work. Last year, Goodwill served 41,922 people and 15,563 jobs were found as a result.  More than 120,021 people visited a Career Center in 2012 for help with resume writing, interview preparation, computer skills, and other workshops.

About Goodwill of Central Arizona

With 65 years of serving central Arizona’s communities, Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our Commitment is to Put People to Work throughout Arizona by providing job training and employment services to those with vocational disadvantages and disabilities that can include mental and emotional barriers, physical disabilities, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age. In 2012, we served more than 41,922 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and secured more than 15, 563 employment opportunities. For more information on Goodwill of Central Arizona, visit www.goodwillaz.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goodwill of Central Arizona

Goodwill of Central Arizona has one, single Mission: to Put People to Work. Thousands of Arizonans every year rely on the services that we provide in order to learn the skills they need to find work, and achieve self-sufficiency.

In order to provide these vital programs and services, we rely on donations from the community. We appreciate your generosity, and want you to know just how important your donations are to the people we serve…so here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions!

What does Goodwill do with my donations?
The gently used items that you give to Goodwill become the products that we sell in our retail stores. The revenue earned in our retail stores supports programs and services that help thousands of Arizonans every year prepare for and find work. 90 cents of every dollar goes toward our efforts to Put People to Work.

Who benefits from the services Goodwill provides?
We offer assistance to anyone in Phoenix, Prescott or Yuma who needs help overcoming barriers to employment. The programs and services we provide are available at no cost to the community.

Are all Goodwills the same?
Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of 166 Goodwill organizations operating in the U.S. and Canada today. All Goodwill organizations are chartered members of Goodwill Industries International, but each one operates independently, with its own CEO and Board of Directors. Goodwill of Central Arizona oversees all of the Goodwill retail stores and career centers located in metro Phoenix, Prescott and Yuma.

What should I donate?
We’re not too picky! We’ll accept donations of pretty much anything except for auto parts, building materials, hazardous materials, and tires. We take furniture, clothes, bedding, go-carts, toys, vehicles, books, computers, sporting goods, small appliances, RVs and much more!

How do I make a donation?
Simply bring your gently used items to any Goodwill store. If your donations won’t fit in your car, we’ll pick them up for you! Just go to donate.goodwillaz.org or call (602) 513-8444 to schedule a home pickup.

Why should someone donate to Goodwill?
When an item is donated to Goodwill, it helps give someone else an opportunity. Your donations benefit people right here in our community, and our retail stores provide thousands of jobs for Arizonans and generate over $80 million in revenue that supports Arizona’s economy. And when you donate to Goodwill, your gently used items are given a second chance at life. With your help, Goodwill of Central Arizona prevents 100 million pounds of material from going directly into Arizona’s landfills each year.

If you have any other questions, suggestions or concerns, we’d love to hear from you.

Your donations and purchases help us change lives, and we thank you for your support!

Goodwill Grand Opening – Fountain Hills Store, April 12

We invite you to join us this Friday, April 12 for the Grand Opening of our newest Goodwill  in Fountain Hills, located at 13757 N. Fountain Hills Blvd. The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 9 a.m., and the first 150 shoppers in line will receive a $5 gift card. We encourage you to clean out those no-longer needed items to bring with you as a donation. Donors will receive a coupon valid for $5 off a purchase during grand opening weekend.

Goodwill Fountain Hills Grand Opening 
Friday, April 12, 2013 9 a.m.

13757 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Located off of Fountain Hills Blvd and Palisades.

The Goodwill Career Expo is Thursday, April 11 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Hundreds of employers – all hiring – will be in attendance. If you’re looking for a job, here are 5 Reasons To Attend the Goodwill Career Expo.

Number 5: Employers attending represent a variety of organizations with open positions ranging from entry level to professional, from barista to engineer.

Number 4: Over 7K open positions are available.

Number 3: As a special thank you and acknowledgment, veterans will have priority entrance access at the Career Expo.

Number 2: The Career Expo will be on main floor of the University of Phoenix Stadium. Take in the stadium from the same spot as the athletes who play there.

Number 1:  Many companies will be screening, interviewing, and hiring on-the-spot.

G Willy, the Goodwill mascot!

**BONUS REASON TO ATTEND** – Meet G Willy, our new Giant G mascot in person.

Goodwill Career Expo

Thursday, April 11, 2013

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

University of Phoenix Stadium

Here’s G Willy on his way to the stadium!

We hope you’ve had the chance to make it out to the new Goodwill at 32nd St and Thomas. Check out some of the photos below from the grand opening ribbon cutting, and see more on our Facebook page.

The new Goodwill at 32nd St and Thomas is located at 3130 E Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016. There is a Goodwill Donation Center and Career Center onsite. Your purchases and donations to Goodwill support programs and services that Put People to Work in our community.

We’re getting ready to celebrate the grand opening of the Goodwill on 32nd St and Thomas on Friday, March 29. Join us for the ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. when we officially open the doors.

The first 150 shoppers in line will receive a gift card for $5. We encourage you to make room for new purchases by gathering up your no-longer needed items to bring with you as a donation. You’ll receive a $5 Off coupon that is valid grand opening weekend, March 29 – 31, at the new 32nd St. and Thomas store only.

ALL Goodwill stores are closed Easter Sunday, March 31, with the exception of the new 32nd St and Thomas location. Purchases and donations to Goodwill support programs that Put People to Work!

Get a sneak peek inside the new 32nd St and Thomas Goodwill!

Goodwill at 32nd St and Thomas Grand Opening

Friday, March 29, 2013 9 a.m.

3130 E Thomas Road
, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

This new location replaces the Goodwill store on the east end of the shopping center.

The Pavilions at Talking Stick Goodwill store, located at 8959 E. Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale, offers great Goodwill finds at bargain prices. This store opened in 2011 and is easily accessible from the 101 in the East Valley.

We shopped the Pavilions at Talking Stick Goodwill recently, and came home quite a few new clothing pieces and a some home décor items. What really caught our attention was this cabinet/hutch. It was priced at just $99.00, and whether it’s left as is, or refurbished like the Goodwill Gal’s hutch, Eve, it will be an impressive piece in it’s next home.

If you need to make room for new purchases, or just want to clear out no-longer needed items from your home, the Pavilions at Talking Stick Goodwill also offers a donation center. Donations to Goodwill support mission services of putting people to work in our community, like the Goodwill Career Centers. The Pavilions at Talking Stick Goodwill Career Center offers job search and employment training services to job seekers.

Pavilions at Talking Stick Goodwill
8959 E. Indian Bend Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Just off of the 101 and Indian Bend Road, near Pima and Indian Bend.

“Our Career Expo’s are a great way for job seekers to meet with multiple employers in one day,” said Victor Carbajal, manager of business events at Goodwill of Central Arizona. “To get access to hundreds of companies who are hiring, is unheard of. We do our best to match qualified candidates with employers looking for specific skill sets, so it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Last year, Goodwill served 41,922 people and 15,563 jobs were found as a result. More than 120,021 people visited a Career Center in 2012 for help with resume writing, interview preparation, computer skills, and other workshops.

Interested companies will receive lunch for two staff members, a 10 x 10 booth package and business name in print and electronic promotional materials. Registration is $225 and the deadline is March 28, 2013.

To register, please contact Victor Carbajal at 602.535.4000.

About Goodwill of Central Arizona
With 65 years of serving central Arizona’s communities, Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our Commitment is to Put People to Work throughout Arizona by providing job training and employment services to those with vocational disadvantages and disabilities that can include mental and emotional barriers, physical disabilities, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age. In 2012, we served more than 41,922 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and secured more than 15, 563 employment opportunities. For more information on Goodwill of Central Arizona, visit www.goodwillaz.org.

As a result of services provided by Goodwill of Central Arizona, more than 15,000 job placements were recorded, and you can be a part of Goodwill’s mission services to provide skills training and job placement services for local job seekers.

Below you’ll find information about how you can take part in Arizona Gives Day and support our mission to Put People to Work! Please spread the word by sharing via your social network, friends and family, and help Goodwill win $15,000 or more in cash prizes for attracting the most donors or dollars received!

Goodwill Career Expo

Goodwill of Central Arizona Business Solutions is hosting a Career Expo on April 11 at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Hundreds of employers, all hiring, will be in attendance sharing information about their organizations with thousands of qualified job seekers.

As a leader in job preparation, training, and placement services throughout central Arizona, Goodwill Business Solutions connects Valley employers with qualified candidates to fill their hiring needs. Our hiring events include Career Expos, Specialty Job Fairs and Regional Job Fairs. As well as complimentary on-site hiring events in our 14 career centers throughout Maricopa, Yavapai and Yuma counties.

Employers, for more Career Expo information or to learn about becoming a sponsor, please contact Victor Carbajal, Manager of Business Events, at 602.535.4170 or victor.carbajal@goodwillaz.org.

Job Seekers, click here to learn more about the Career Expo, or click here to learn more about Goodwill Career Centers and how Goodwill can help you find a job.

Goodwill Career Expo

April 11, 2013

University of Phoenix Stadium

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Here’s the commercial currently airing for the Goodwill Career Expo:

Here are our Top 10 Pins of Pinterest Goodwill Projects.

#10. This shelf turned sewing/craft station. We especially love the bar with spools of ribbon and tape.

 #9. This Goodwill shelf-turned-kids-book organizer. What a great way to store and display books.

#8. These sweaters repurposed into comfy pillow covers.

#7. A cutlery wind chime. What a cute idea that takes only a few forks, knives and spoons. 

 #6. These painted Goodwill lamps. An old lamp from Goodwill can easily be fixed up to match any room with just a can of spray paint and new lamp shade.

#5. The Goodwill Gal’s hutch, Eve. Check out the before and after!

#4. This re-done dresser that was originally just $12!

#3. A painted and fixed up chandelier.We just love how an older chandelier can be repurposed with a modern look.

#2. This upcycled now red stand from A Night Owl’s blog.

#1. This fixed up and repurposed antique sewing table.
We often spot antique sewing tables at Goodwill, and love how this one’s been fixed up, but still kept it’s antique feel.

Your donations to and purchases at Goodwill of Central Arizona support programs and services that “Put People to Work”  through the efforts of Goodwill Career Centers. Each year, Goodwill places thousands of people in jobs in our community (over 15,000 job seekers last year found employment), like Lisa, who was once homeless and with Goodwill’s help received a job with a well-established organization, or Michael, who obtained his GED with the assistance of Goodwill.

Goodwill operates 14 Career Centers in the Phoenix and Yuma areas. Goodwill Career Centers are open to the public and anyone can stop in to visit with a Career Advisor.  Career Centers provide resources to help job seekers find a job. Resources including information about job skills training, employment services, access to computers, printers, fax machines, and guidance from Career Advisors.

Need help finding a job? Visit a Goodwill Career Center

Need help finding a job? Find a Goodwill Career Center location here  and check out upcoming Goodwill hosted job fairs . Or, if we’ve reminded you about that pile of old clothing, or other no-longer needed items in your home and you’re ready to donate them, find click here for your nearest Goodwill Donation Center.

Goodwill is the place to find great deals on everyday items. Often though, when browsing the aisles and searching the shelves, you’ll find something a bit out of the ordinary, like antiques at Goodwill. For us, it’s the retro, and vintage items that catch our attention.

To shop for Goodwill antiques you’ll need to be strategic. Pay careful attention to the items that you find on shelves. We spotted the retro Polaroid camera (below) hidden among a collection of 35mm cameras. We’ve also seen antique sewing machines like the one below, in cases or as a part of sewing tables that were easy to overlook. Keep a look out carefully as you browse Goodwill stores. You just never know what sort of antique, vintage or retro treasure you may find.

Antique Sewing Machine

Retro Polaroid Camera

What’s in the box? A mystery of antiques at Goodwill.

Because so many older items that were once common came in sturdy, suit-case-style cases, when we spot one of these items on the shelves it’s a guessing game to determine what’s in the case. Here a recent cases spotted, and what ended up being inside.

What’s in the case?

It’s an old projector!

The Industry Leaders of Arizona Awards presented by Az Business magazine recognize the contributions of Arizona-based companies in five key industries: alternative energy, distribution and logistics, healthcare, hospitality, and retail.

From the initial pool of several hundred applicants, 25 finalists from these five industries were selected, with Goodwill of Central Arizona being named the top company in the retail category.

“It has taken a lot of hard work from everyone within our organization to strengthen the Goodwill brand and turn our retail image around,” says Jackie Halleen, Vice President of Retail Operations. “This award acknowledges Goodwill’s efforts to provide an improved experience for shoppers and donors—and in turn, our clients—and I am extremely proud of our team for all that they’ve accomplished.”

Check out the Goodwill Harlem Shake below!

Do you love shopping at Goodwill? Great – because we love our Goodwill shoppers and donors! Your purchases and donations to Goodwill are what make it possible for Goodwill to provide job training and employment services to job seekers in our community.

For Goodwill, your donations are like valentine’s every day! Check out these Valentine’s Day cards. We dedicate these to our Goodwill shoppers, donors and community friends, who we just love!

“The demand for our services isn’t slowing down,” said Richmond Vincent, vice president, workforce development. “We’ve expanded services, added more employees and additional computer training classes, held more job fairs and opened a new Career Center at South Mountain in 2012. Donations drive our business model and in order to keep up with the demand, we rely on the community to continue donating their household goods, furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, and books.”

Top 5 Home Decorations to Buy at Goodwill

If you’ve moved to a new home or want a new look for a room, save money by shopping at Goodwill for home decorations. Here are our Top 5 Home Decorations that we know you can find at Goodwill for a great price.

1) Vases – inexpensive in cost, yet high in quality, it’s always easy to find a unique vase at Goodwill.

2) Decorative Flowers – brighten a room without spending a lot (or upsetting any allergies) with decorative flowers. We’ve spotted many arrangements as individual flowers and bouquets.

3) Candleholders – light up a room with inexpensive decorative candle holders. Easily comparable to items found at traditional retail stores, but these can be purchased for much less at Goodwill.

4) Frames – Frames for photos or other art pieces are easy to find at Goodwill. They can even be repainted and refurbished to match whatever design fits best for your home.

5) Lamps – Just like frames, it’s easy to fix up and repurpose a lamp to match a room. Check out these lamp fix-up’s we spotted on Pinterest.

“We were honored to host Goodwill of Central Arizona in our suite at the WM Open.” said Steve Kedzior, senior vice president, “Paradigm Technology has recognized their great contributions to our community and are strong supporters of the Goodwill mission. We greatly respect and appreciate their impact on helping people with barriers enjoy the dignity of gainful employment. All of us at Paradigm are excited about the opportunity to recognize Goodwill for their hard work and dedication to such an important mission.”

Steve R. Kedzior, senior vice president of Paradigm Technology, Inc., serves as a board member for Goodwill of Central Arizona.  He’s been on the board for three years and brings a great deal of insight to the nonprofit.

Prior to joining Paradigm Technology, Steve was vice president and general manager of services for Avnet, where he developed a comprehensive IT service strategy inclusive of vision, structure and execution around IT services that included professional, managed and cloud.  He also served as senior vice president, field sales and services for Insight.

“Our employees thoroughly enjoyed the day at the WM Open and were extremely thankful for Paradigm Technology’s generosity,” said Jim Teter, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central Arizona.

Donate to Goodwill

Have you taken time recently to set aside your no longer needed or gently used items? Then the next step is to donate them to your nearest Goodwill location. Goodwill donation centers are located all across the valley. All 50+ Goodwill stores accept donations, or you can donate at a retail donation center (RDC). RDC’s are donation centers ONLY and are conveniently set-up for donors to drive-up and drop-off.

This week Goodwill opens a new RDC at 4100 S. Arizona Ave. in Chandler, making it even easier to donate. That pair of jeans you never wear anymore or those shoes that were always just a little too tight, clear out those items and bring them to a Goodwill donation location. You’ll be clearing out space in your home and can know that your donations to Goodwill support programs and services that help put people to work in our community.

More Information

For more information on donation center locations, items accepted by Goodwill, or to schedule a donation home pick-up, click here.

With spring break and summer vacations in the not so distant future, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for affordable luggage now so that you’ll be ready with plenty of luggage storage space. And if you’re in town visiting and have found yourself with too many new purchases, visit your nearest Goodwill location to pick-up an extra suitcase or bag to use to transport your new items back home.

Did you save on luggage? Tell us about your Goodwill finds!

Did you find any great Goodwill Color Tag Dollar Day finds this Thursday? Tell us about them on our Facebook page!

The new Career Center was funded by a $105,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Goodwill has utilized its Career Centers around the Valley to build its career services outreach, hosting monthly job fairs, as well as weekly basis computer skills classes.  The HOPE VI Career Center will also offers resume development, mock interviewing skills, career coaching and career exploration.  The center has a training room with 14 computer work stations.  The Career Center will be open from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Goodwill’s mission is to “Put People to Work” and in 2012 they achieved record numbers, they serving 41,922 people and placing 15,563 individuals in competitive employment.  In addition, more than 120,021 people visited a Career Center in 2012.

Shopping at Goodwill is a great way to score great bargains and deals, and also when you donate to Goodwill you’re helping the local community. Just how does donating to Goodwill help the community, you may ask? At Goodwill of Central Arizona our mission is to Put People to Work. Purchases and donations help support job training and employee placement services at Goodwill Career Centers. In 2012, Goodwill served nearly 42,000 job seekers.

If you’re a job seeker in need of assistance finding a job or updating your skills, we encourage you to visit a Goodwill Career Center. Goodwill Career Centers are open to the public, and Career Center Educators are on-site to help by providing resources and training to help you find a job. Additionally, you’ll find the resources needed to find a job, such as computers, printers, Internet access, telephones, and fax machines – available completely free of charge. Be sure to also check-out Goodwill’s upcoming job fairs here.

To get started finding your new job, locate your nearest Goodwill Career Center, or call (602) 535-4416 to speak with a Career Center Educator.

Thursday’s are Color Tag Dollar Day at Goodwill and they’re always a good opportunity to find great items at bargain prices. Sometimes though, there are truly amazing deals in store.

Today, as part of Color Tag Dollar Day, this antique Sears Roebuck & Co. piano was purchased for just $1. Our shoppers familiar with sale days and discounts know that at Goodwill stores, merchandise goes on sale based off of its color tag, and after an item has been in store for a specified amount of time, it’s discounted to $1 on Thursday’s Color Tag Dollar Day. Although we don’t have any details on just how old this piano is, or who might have originally owned it, anyone who has seen the piano (for sale over the past few weeks at our 7th Street and Union Hills store), can tell that it’s something special.

We were glad to see the piano finally find a new home first thing this morning, as there were a few shoppers waiting before the store opened to purchase it.

Color Tag Dollar Day at Goodwill is a great opportunity to save on items in every department at Goodwill. From women’s clothing to housewares and electronics, it’s worth the search to find color-tagged dollar items.

Redesign Sale This MLK Jr. Weekend

If you’re looking to save on furniture and home décor items, be sure to shop Goodwill Redesign furniture stores’ in Peoria and Scottsdale sale this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. From Saturday, Jan. 19 – Monday, Jan. 21, save 20 percent off all merchandise, including new items.

Have you found a really great Goodwill find recently? Share it with us on the Goodwill Facebook page!

“We’re coming off a record year in terms of job placements and individuals served through our career centers,” said Victor Carbajal, manager of business events at Goodwill of Central Arizona. “As the economy continues to recover we’re playing a vital role in getting Arizonan’s back to work.  This year, we’re shifting our focus slightly to provide job fairs geared towards specific industries that are growing and hiring in Central Arizona.”

The first job fair is scheduled for Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to noon.  It will be held in the US Vets and Cloudbreak Community Center, located at 805 E. Jones Ave. in Phoenix. Job seekers looking for positions in sales, customer service and retail should attend.

Next, Goodwill will host a job fair at Buckeye City Hall, located at 530 East Monroe Avenue on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a focus on Professional Service Companies. Banking, finance, bookkeeping and other financial related positions will be available.

Lastly, they’ll host a Healthcare Job Fair on March 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa, located at 200 North Centennial Way.  Caregivers, healthcare administration, nurses, behavioral health and other healthcare related positions will be available.

Each job fair will bring together approximately 15-40 employers with immediate hiring needs.  Goodwill will continue to hold weekly job fairs at its 13 Career Centers.  For more information about all Job Fairs, visit: www.goodwillaz.org.

Cover your plants with sheets from Goodwill.

It’s cold outside! With freeze warnings continuing on here in the Phoenix-area, you’ll want to cover your plants to protect them from the cold. Sheets, tablecloths, pillowcases and towels can all be used to cover your plants, and you’ll find great bargains on these items when you purchase them at Goodwill. Have you taken any additional precautions to keep your home warm? Tell us about them on our Facebook page.

It’s cold outside, and we can help you keep warm!

Extreme cold snaps don’t occur too often here in this part of Arizona, so why spend a lot to stay warm for a short period of time. You’ll find great deals on coats, sweaters and jackets when you shop at Goodwill at budget-friendly prices. Check out some of our cold-weather jackets here.

Check out some of our the good finds we spotted while shopping at the Happy Valley Goodwill store below.

If you’re visiting the 16th Ave. and Happy Valley store to shop, be sure to take a few minutes to clear out your no-longer needed clothing, housewares, and anything else that’s just taking up space and donate those items to Goodwill. You’ll make room in your home for new items, while helping support the mission of Goodwill to Put People to Work.

Goodwill at 16th Ave. and Happy Valley Road
1565 W. Happy Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85085

Check out more of our Goodwill finds on Pinterest!

A great selection of boots – found at the Goodwill Happy Valley store.

We spotted this sewing table/potential desk at the Happy Valley Goodwill.

Red lanterns found at the Happy Valley Goodwill.

Here are seven items that you’ll want to shop a Goodwill thrift store first for, rather than purchasing at a traditional retail store. You’re practically guaranteed to find these items at Goodwill, and we feel there’s really no reason to spend more on.

1. Furniture
Purchasing a piece of furniture for your home can be costly. Before buying that new bookshelf, dining set, or coffee table, visit Goodwill. You might find exactly what you’re looking for, or something that can be repurposed to fit perfectly in to your home. One of our favorite examples of a re-purposed Goodwill find is the Goodwill Gal’s hutch, Eve. Check out the before and after photos on the left and read more about Eve here.

2. Wall Art/Decorative Home Items
Updating a room in your home can be as easy as hanging framed photos or prints, arranging a few well-placed candles, or filling a vase with flowers. At Goodwill, you’re practically guaranteed to find frames, candle holders, vases, and other home decor items at bargain prices. You don’t have to spend a lot to create a whole new look in your home.

3. Electronic Cords
If you’ve lost your cell phone charger or need a cable for that new printer, check Goodwill first. Most electronic cables and cords are just a few dollars each at Goodwill, and you’ll find an entire assortment near the electronics section.

4. Children’s Clothes
Kids outgrow their clothing quickly, but you can save on clothing costs by shopping the Children’s Clothing section at Goodwill. You’ll also find kid’s toys in that area of the store, where the same reasoning applies. Why spend more on things that will soon be outgrown or no longer played with?

5. Books
The shelves in the book areas at Goodwill stores are usually well-stocked with recent bestsellers and an assortment of other great literary finds that you’ll save money on by purchasing at Goodwill.

6. Kitchen and Dining Ware
Goodwill stores typically have a large selection of dining ware items like wine glasses, plates, mugs, and cutlery. If you need to stock up for a party or houseguests, save on these items by purchasing them at Goodwill.

7. Winter Clothes
Living in central Arizona means there isn’t a big need for heavy and warm winter clothes. For the few weeks out of the year where you might need a warmer coat or heavier sweater, shop Goodwill. You’ll spend less on clothing that won’t be worn too often.

Happy New Year!

The new year is just a few days away. Why not take some time this weekend to clear out your gently-used and no-longer-needed items to donate to Goodwill? You’ll clear out space for new holiday purchases and gifts, and start the year helping people in our community.

In addition to helping Goodwill serve and place in jobs even more people in 2013, if you donate by December 31, your donation will qualify for a 2012 tax deduction. Looking back on 2012, we’re proud to share that Goodwill has placed over 15,000 people in jobs this year – and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our donors, shoppers, and community friends.

You can also help put people to work and and control your tax dollars by utilizing the Working Poor Tax Credit. The Working Poor Tax Credit allows you to direct your tax dollars to Goodwill of Central Arizona, where they’ll be used to provide job training and placement services. Learn more about the Working Poor Tax Credit here.

From your friends at Goodwill, we thank you for your support and wish you and your families a happy New Year!

“From rare antiques, collectibles, designer threads, and long out-of-print books, shopping at Goodwill is a treasure hunt each time you step in to the store,” says Goodwill Vice President of Retail Operations Jackie Halleen. Here are some of our recent unique thrift store finds.

Soda Machine Dispenser

We couldn’t believe our eyes when we found this soda dispenser at a Goodwill store.

Clown Collection

Clowns, salt and pepper shakers, and other collectable trinkets usually can be found at Goodwill.

Old Speakers

These antique speakers are just one example of the many vintage antique items that we’ve found shopping at Goodwill.

Favorite Old Movies

Still have your VHS movie player? You’ll find a huge selection of your favorite older movies on VHS at Goodwill, most priced around $1.

Happy Holidays from Goodwill

It’s hard to believe that we’re nearing the end of December. This holiday season as we reflect back on 2012, we’re proud to share that here at Goodwill of Central Arizona, we’ve placed nearly 15,000 people in jobs – and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our donors, shoppers, and community friends.

From your friends at Goodwill, we wish you and your families and friends a very happy holiday and New Year.

Additionally, donations can be dropped off at this store’s donation center. Your donations to Goodwill help support programs and services that put people in our community to work. This year, over 14,000 job seekers were placed in jobs by Goodwill.

Here are some of the great finds that we spotted on a recent visit to the Goodwill at 40th St and Thunderbird.

Different sized storage containers.

This retro Bentley Camera probably won’t take photos anymore, but it would make a great decorative piece.

A London inspired tea pot!

Goodwill at 40th Street and Thomas

3901 E Thunderbird Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85032 US
Store Hours:
9am-9pm Mon-Sat, 10am-6 pm Sun
Phone Number:
(602)569-9004

Our White Elephant Finds

We went shopping to find items that would be good contenders for a white elephant exchange that range from practical to quirky and fun. Here are some of our finds below. Check out more of our white elephant gift finds on the GoodwillAZ Facebook page.

An electric keyboard!

A collection of sea shells from the sea shore.

Clowns or any item clown related would make a great white elephant gift.

A strong baby holding a soap dish would be a strong contender for best gift.

A marble cheese service set. It works for all cheeses though, not just marbled cheese.

New Redesign 101 and Thunderbird

Goodwill of Central Arizona celebrated the opening of our new Redesign store at 101 and Thunderbird in Peoria. Redesign offers new and gently used furniture at bargain prices, and although it was a cold and rainy morning, the new store was welcomed to the Peoria community by a crowd of shoppers.

The new Redesign furniture store is the second Goodwill Redesign location. The other Redesign is located in Scottsdale at Scottsdale Road and Oak.

Both the Peoria Redesign store and the Scottsdale Redesign store offer an entire selection of furniture, home decorations, and small appliances, such as couches and coffee tables for your living room, and dining sets, bedroom sets, accent pieces, coffee pots, and glassware.

Check out a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at the new Goodwill Redesign store in Peoria, and view great Redesign finds here.

Goodwill Redesign in Peoria
101 and Thunderbird
8679 W Ludlow Dr,
Peoria, AZ, 85381

Goodwill’s new Redesign furniture store is set to open next week on Friday, December 14 at 9 a.m. This is the second Goodwill Redesign store. The other Redesign store is located in Scottsdale, at 2115 N. Scottsdale Rd. We stopped by the new location, located at 8679 W Ludlow Dr., Ste 5, in Peoria, for a sneek peek.

“We’re all set to open the new Goodwill Redesign store next Friday, December 14,” says Goodwill of Central Arizona Vice President of Retail Operations, Jackie Halleen. “The new store has a huge selection of furniture and other home items for our thrifty shoppers.”

The new Redesign location in Peoria is in a large, ware-house size space. From living room couches, to dining tables and chairs, there are thousands of gently used and new furniture pieces, as well as an assortment of items to decorate and accent your home with. And because it’s December, we’ve have a great selection of holiday home decorations to bring the spirit of the season in to your home!

Here are some photos of the store as our staff gets things in place for next week’s grand opening.

Getting things ready at Redesign.

Furniture at the new Goodwill Redesign.

Wall art and other items.

Holiday decorations at Redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goodwill of Central Arizona

Goodwill of Central Arizona has one, single Mission: to Put People to Work. Thousands of Arizonans every year rely on the services that we provide in order to learn the skills they need to find work, and achieve self-sufficiency.

In order to provide these vital programs and services, we rely on donations from the community. We appreciate your generosity, and want you to know just how important your donations are to the people we serve…so here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions!

What does Goodwill do with my donations?
The gently used items that you give to Goodwill become the products that we sell in our retail stores. The revenue earned in our retail stores supports programs and services that help thousands of Arizonans every year prepare for and find work. 90 cents of every dollar goes toward our efforts to Put People to Work.

Who benefits from the services Goodwill provides?
We offer assistance to anyone in Phoenix, Prescott or Yuma who needs help overcoming barriers to employment. The programs and services we provide are available at no cost to the community.

Are all Goodwills the same?
Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of 166 Goodwill organizations operating in the U.S. and Canada today. All Goodwill organizations are chartered members of Goodwill Industries International, but each one operates independently, with its own CEO and Board of Directors. Goodwill of Central Arizona oversees all of the Goodwill retail stores and career centers located in metro Phoenix, Prescott and Yuma.

What should I donate?
We’re not too picky! We’ll accept donations of pretty much anything except for auto parts, building materials, hazardous materials, and tires. We take furniture, clothes, bedding, go-carts, toys, vehicles, books, computers, sporting goods, small appliances, RVs and much more!

How do I make a donation?
Simply bring your gently used items to any Goodwill store. If your donations won’t fit in your car, we’ll pick them up for you! Just go to donate.goodwillaz.org or call (602) 513-8444 to schedule a home pickup.

Why should someone donate to Goodwill?
When an item is donated to Goodwill, it helps give someone else an opportunity. Your donations benefit people right here in our community, and our retail stores provide thousands of jobs for Arizonans and generate over $80 million in revenue that supports Arizona’s economy. And when you donate to Goodwill, your gently used items are given a second chance at life. With your help, Goodwill of Central Arizona prevents 100 million pounds of material from going directly into Arizona’s landfills each year.

If you have any other questions, suggestions or concerns, we’d love to hear from you.

Your donations and purchases help us change lives, and we thank you for your support!

“It’s really exciting to bring the Redesign concept to the West Valley,” said Jackie Halleen, vice president of retail operations. “Our shoppers love the mix of new and old furniture, home décor, TV’s, and kitchen accessories.  The store is located in a growing area of residential homes and we know shoppers will appreciate being able to find great bargains.”

Christmas holiday decorations from Goodwill are an inexpensive way to dress your home up for the season. Goodwill stores have a large assortment of festive and fun items. From ornaments and stockings to gift bags and wrapping paper, each Goodwill store location has its own unique selection of holiday items.

Here are some of the holiday items we’ve spotted recently at Goodwill stores:

Christmas Trees and Wreaths

Christmas trees and wreaths are big items that can be costly. Save money during the busy shopping season by buying a Christmas tree at Goodwill.

Ornaments for Decorating

Outfit your Christmas tree with unique ornaments from Goodwill. You’ll find one-of-a-kind decorations to match your holiday decorating style.

Christmas Village Decorative Pieces

Christmas Village’s are a festive way to dress up your holiday display. Set out on a table, they’re a great base for a tablescape setting.

The holiday season is just getting started! Share with us your Goodwill holiday decorations on our facebook page!

Store Spotlight: 61st Ave and Bell

For this week’s store spotlight, we visited the Goodwill at 61^st Ave and Bell in Glendale. This is a newer Goodwill location that opened this past May.

“Since opening, the store has received a very warm welcomed in the Glendale community from shoppers and donors,” says Jackie Halleen, Goodwill Vice President of Retail Operations.

The new Goodwill store at 61^st Ave. and Bell occupies a large space, and offers selections of women’s clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing and toys, as well as housewares, furniture, electronics and other items at affordable prices.

During the holiday season, Goodwill is great place to shop for decorations. During our visit to the 61^st Ave. and Bell Road store, we spotted a large selection of Christmas trees, and other holiday items for decorating your home. We suggest shopping early in the season to get a head start on outfitting your home for the holidays.

Follow Along!

Want to follow along with our holiday decoration finds? Follow us on Instagram!

A Special Thanksgiving Message

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we’re spending time this week reflecting on all that we are thankful for here at Goodwill of Central Arizona where our mission is to put people to work. When you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re supporting the programs and services that fulfill our mission.

So far this year, we’ve been able to place over 13,000 job seekers in jobs in the central Arizona area. We are so thankful for the support of our donors, shoppers, and community partners who make it possible for us to serve such a substantial amount of people.

On behalf of everyone here at Goodwill of Central Arizona, we wish you and your family and friends a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Special Sale This Friday!

Goodwill of Central Arizona stores will be closed this Thanksgiving. However, because we don’t want to miss out on offering an amazing deal this Friday, we’ve moved this week’s Color Tag Dollar Day to Friday, Nov. 23. But what about Friday’s 50% Off Color Tag, you ask? For just one day, we’re offering both! Goodwill stores are closed Thursday, Nov. 22, and will reopen on Friday, Nov. 23 at their regular time (so there’s no need to get up too early to shop!).

5 items for $5.

Here’s the Deal

Here’s the deal on Thrifty Thursday, and other days to save big at Goodwill. Thursdays are a pretty big deal here at Goodwill of Central Arizona thrift stores. They’re $1 Color Tag Day. All items of a specified color (excluding seasonal merchandise) are just $1. It’s a great day to find a lot of deals at a low price – and it’s easy to keep track of how much you’ve spent!

Check out these items here that we found. All five items were just five dollars for $1 Color Tag Day at Goodwill. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, shoes, toys, or housewares – nearly every section at Goodwill has items discounted to $1 on Thursdays.

Save Even More!

Even though you’ll save on Thursdays and every day when you shop at Goodwill, save even more all throughout the week on specially discounted color tag items. Check the sign at the front of the Goodwill store when you enter for that day’s 50% Off Color Tag item. And every other Saturday at Goodwill of Central Arizona is 50% Off Sale Saturday, when all items, excluding seasonal merchandise are 50% off!

Click here for our Sale Calendar to find out when the next 50% Off Sale Saturday is.

Have you found a great sale item at Goodwill? Tell us about it on our Facebook page.

Table setting ideas from The Goodwill Gal.

1) Create a Unique Centerpiece and Tablescape Setting

The Thanksgiving turkey will of course be the main focal point of your holiday table. But, don’t miss out on the chance to dress up the rest of the table with decorative holiday decorations from Goodwill. Need some ideas? Check out this post from The Goodwill Gal.

2) Stock Up at Goodwill

Gathering together with family and friends can mean a full house for Thanksgiving. Stock up on extra plates, cutlery and serving dishes from Goodwill. You’ll find a wide assortment of items for your table setting at great prices.

3) Cookware at Goodwill

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can use up every pot and pan in your kitchen! Be sure you have all of the kitchenware you need in advance to prepare the big meal, and fill in any gaps at Goodwill. Our 7th St. and Dunlap store was even voted “Best Thrift Store for Vintage Cookwear” by the Phoenix New Times.

We found this jacket for $12.99!

4) Shop for Warm Clothes

Late November and Thanksgiving is when temperatures finally cool off here in Phoenix. Save on warm weather clothes for the cooler weather by checking out the outerwear section at Goodwill. Women’s jackets, men’s jackets, and children’s jackets – we have a full selection of warm clothing at affordable prices.

5) Thank you for your donations!

Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends to give thanks. When you’re going about your Thanksgiving preparations, take a moment to gather any no longer needed items around your home and donate them to Goodwill. Here at Goodwill, we are so thankful for the support of our donors, community partners, and friends who make our efforts to put people to work possible.

Every year in the fall, Goodwill of Central Arizona hosts a Halloween costume contest that invites our shoppers to show us their costumes. Even though Goodwill is the Official Sponsor of Halloween and there’s no better place to create a perfect and unique costume, we were still blown away by all of the amazing entries that we received.“The entries in this year’s costume contest truly showcase the amazing costumes that can be created at Goodwill for Halloween,” says Goodwill of Central Arizona Marketing Director, Courtney Nelson.

Here are the winners of this year’s Goodwill Halloween Costume Contest. The contest has three categories: Best Individual Costume, Best Group Costume, and Best Kids Costume.

Best Individual Costume
Kaylan’s Cruella Deville costume earned her Best Individual Costume.
Best Group Costume
Scott and Kristyn dressed as Burt and Mary Poppins. We love the attention to detail in their costumes.
Best Kid Costume
Four-year-old Isaiah wowed us with his robot costume. A sun shade, kinector set, ipod, and dryer vent are just a few of the objects his mom used to create his amazing Halloween costume.
Best Pet Costume
In a special category added to the contest this year, pet parent Jo Ana dressed her cat Sophia as Honey Boo Boo.

To see even more of the great costumes created by Goodwill shoppers, check out our Facebook page and Pinterest boards.

This weekend a major cool down is expected in our Arizona temperatures. Shopping at Goodwill is a great way to save money on warm clothes like coats and jackets for fall.

We visited our nearest Goodwill location and pulled a selection of woman’s coats and jackets for fall. All were $12.99 or less and are both stylish and warm. There’s a huge selection of outerwear at Goodwill for every member of your family.

If you are updating your cool weather wardrobe, make space for your new good finds by clearing out last year’s clothes and donating them to Goodwill at a Goodwill Donation Center.

Tell Us About Your Great Finds

If you’ve found a great jacket, coat, or other fun fall item of clothing, tell us about it on our Facebook page!

This long coat was just $12.99.

This sporty jacket from Old Navy is $7.99.

Perfect for a casual look or dressed up – this jacket was $7.99.

We found this red and black jacket for $12.99.

This black and white blazer is $7.99.

“We’re expecting over 125 employers who are seeking to fill 1,500 positions,” said Richmond Vincent, Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill. “These job fairs tend to draw large crowds.  Applicants should arrive early, bring plenty of resumes, dress appropriately and show their enthusiasm.”

The Job Fair will have workshops and discussions including how to use social media wisely in your job search, personal branding, effective interview and presentation skills and developing a career roadmap.  Companies such as PetSmart, Walmart, Pepsi Beverages and Fry’s Food Stores will be on-site interviewing.

There will also be an “Entrepreneurial Corner”, so attendees can learn from advisors such as the Small Business Administration about how to start a business.

Attendees are encouraged to register on-line at www.peoriaaz.gov/jobfair to receive early access to the Employer Exhibitors.

When shopping for furniture at Goodwill, you can find unique items at affordable prices. Some items are ready to go for that spot in your home you’ve been trying to fill, and others are inexpensive pieces that with a bit of TLC can be transformed in to a one-of-a-kind piece that will fit in perfectly. See below for some of our recent good finds.

Tables, chairs, couches, cabinets, bookcases, TV stands, and end tables – we’ve found all of these on recent trips to Goodwill. With over 50 Goodwill thrift stores in central Arizona, we recommend visiting a few different stores at a time because you just never know what you may find, like this night stand (left) or possible end table that Courtney Nelson, director of marketing at Goodwill of Central Arizona found.

Share Your Finds of Furniture at Goodwill!

If you’ve found the perfect piece of furniture for your home, or repurposed an item in to a one-of-a-kind piece, tell us about it on our Facebook page!

Need a Last Minute Costume?

If you haven’t put together your Halloween costume yet, Goodwill is the best place to find everything you need for a quick, creative look at the last minute. In addition to new items like hats, face paint, wigs, sequined dresses, brooms, and fake swords, we have an entire store full of gently used clothing and other merchandise. We’re certain that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. And if you need a little help, just let us know. Our Goodwill staffers are ready to help you find the perfect costume.

Frightful Home Décor at Not So Scary Prices

Goodwill isn’t just a great place to find a costume, you’ll also find an assortment of items for Halloween decorations. Check out our friend The Goodwill Gal’s great ideas for Halloween and fall decorations. We’ve had great ideas shared on our Facebook page as well, that show how items from Goodwill can be easily re-purposed in to fun Halloween decorations.

Throw a Scary Party

Bewitch your friends and family and be known as the ultimate host/hostess. The Goodwill Gal’s suggestions for Halloween party ideas are both fun and mischievous. Are those teeth at the bottom of that glass?

So whether you need a last-minute costume, want to decorate your home for fall, or throw a spooky celebration, Goodwill has everything you need to celebrate the holiday!

For today’s Store Spotlight, we’re featuring our newest store location, the Thunderbird Square Goodwill store at Scottsdale Road and Thunderbird (14202 N. Scottsdale Road). Shoppers gathered early (or late, with some arriving the night before) for the first chance at great finds. The first 150 shoppers even received a Goodwill gift card for $5.

At 35,000 square feet, this new store features a large selection of men’s clothing, women’s clothing, children’s clothing, books, home décor items, small appliances, furniture and more. “There are so many great finds in-store for our shoppers,” says Goodwill of Central Arizona Vice President of Retail Operations Jackie Halleen.

With less than a week to go before Halloween, the new store offered a large selection of Halloween costumes, wigs, hats, face paint and more – everything needed to create the perfect Halloween costume. Just check out the photos below!

This is the 51st Goodwill of Central Arizona store. Donations and purchases made at Goodwill stores support programs and services that help put people in our community to work, and we are so grateful for the amazing show of support that we received from our shoppers, donors, and community partners at the grand opening of our new Thunderbird Square store in Scottsdale.

Here are some ideas for last minute Halloween costumes that can be quickly put together.

With this kit of ears, bowtie and red tail, add a red dress or shirt for a devil costume.

A white dress or shirt combined with these white wings for an angel costume.

Be the ultimate “weekender” by taking this mullet headband, and combining with jeans and a tank top or t-shirt. wings makes a quick angel costume.

Need a quick kid’s costume? We have lots of ready-to-go costumes in-store, like these cowboy, lion, and Superman outfits.

Show Us Your Costume Contest

Once you’ve assembled your look, enter the Show Us Your Costume Contest by:
1.    Picking up a contest flyer when you purchase your costume at any Goodwill of Central Arizona store.
2.    Take a photo in your costume holding the flyer.
3.    E-mail the photo to GetCreative@GoodwillAZ.org by October 31 at midnight to be entered to win.

This year’s prizes:
• Grand Prize Costume: 70 inch 3D flat screen TV
• Best Group/Couple Costume: $300 Target gift card
• Best Kid’s Costume: Nintendo Wii system

Follow along on our Facebook page to see contest entries, and other fun ideas for fall.

“This marks our third location in Scottsdale,” said Jackie Halleen, vice president of retail operations. “New store openings always generate excitement in the community and this one will be particularly festive with Halloween just around the corner.  If you are still in need of a costume, Goodwill has many ideas and a nice assortment of new and donated goods.”

WHAT: Goodwill Store Grand Opening

WHO: Goodwill of Central Arizona, an organization dedicated to helping individuals in central Arizona with disadvantaging conditions overcome their barriers to employment and find self-sufficiency through the power of work.

WHEN: 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012

WHERE: 14202 N. Scottsdale Road

With 65 years of serving central Arizona’s communities, Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our Commitment is to Put People to Work throughout Arizona by providing job training and employment services to those with vocational disadvantages and disabilities that can include mental and emotional barriers, physical disabilities, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age. In 2011, we served more than 35,900 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and secured more than 12,400 employment opportunities.

Don’t be scared! We know there’s only a little more than a week to go before Halloween, and not having a Halloween costume yet can be frightening. At Goodwill, we’ve got you covered. Save time and money by shopping at Goodwill and a find unique, one-of-a-kind costume. Just watch our 2012 Goodwill Halloween commercial and see for yourself. The commercial features twin sisters who’ve both been invited to the same Halloween party. One sister visits Goodwill to find the perfect costume and has an enchanted evening. The other sister goes to a regular Halloween costume store and ends up with a look that’s a bit familiar.

“A princess, pirate, vampire or witch – there are so many possibilities! If you haven’t decided what you want to be yet, come to Goodwill and get inspired!” says Goodwill of Central Arizona Director of Marketing, Courtney Nelson.

Want to see more? Here’s last year’s commercial.

Show Us Your Costume Costume Contest

Once you’ve found the perfect Halloween costume at Goodwill enter our Show Us Your Costume Contest. Here’s how:

1.    Pick up a contest flyer when you purchase your costume at any Goodwill of Central Arizona store.
2.    Take a photo in your costume holding the flyer.
3.    E-mail the photo to GetCreative@GoodwillAZ.org by October 31 at midnight to be entered to win.

This year’s prizes:

• Grand Prize: 70 inch 3D flat screen TV
• Best Group/Couple Costume: $300 Target gift card
• Best Kid’s Costume: Nintendo Wii system

Visit our Facebook page for updates, costume ideas, and other spooky and fun things for fall!

Goodwill McClintock Store Grand Opening

Today is Thrifty Thursday at Goodwill of Central Arizona, and we’d like to highlight the Goodwill McClintock Store grand opening at 1546 E. Southern in Tempe. We received a very warm reception from the local Tempe community, and were welcomed by a crowd that gathered in the hours prior to opening. Some shoppers even arrived the night before to secure the first spots in line!

Great finds of furniture, housewares, small appliances, electronics, men’s clothing, woman’s clothing, children’s clothing, toys, books, and more were all in-store for our Goodwill shoppers. Check out some of their finds in the photos below! With Halloween just a few weeks away, shoppers also shopped for spooky Halloween decorations, and the perfect Halloween costume.

“We’re proud to bring this new Goodwill location to Tempe, says Goodwill of Central Arizona Vice President of Retail Operations, Jackie Halleen, “Our Goodwill shoppers and donors support programs that put people in our community to work.”

Click here to find the Goodwill store closest to you.

Grand Opening Photos

Here are some photos from the grand opening celebration of our new Tempe McClintock store. See more photos on our Facebook page.

(From left: wall art, large selection of housewares, shoes, cart with guitar and golf clubs, board games.)

Smiling jack-o-lanterns, creepy (fake) spiders, and an assortment of fall-themed merchandise fill the shelves this time of year. Get inspired and transform your home with a few ideas for Halloween home decorations from The Goodwill Gal.

Some of our favorite Halloween and fall home décor ideas can be found on The Goodwill Gals’ blog. She transformed these tree trunk pieces (left) in to a woodsy cupcake stand – perfect for a Halloween party!

And with a ninety-nine cent hurricane vase and one dollar plate from Goodwill (right), these sprigs of fall foliage (from up north, of course) all came together.

“There are so many possibilities to create unique Halloween home decorations when you shop at Goodwill,” says Goodwill of Central Arizona Vice President of Retail Operations Jackie Halleen.

Halloween Costume Contest

Have you transformed your home for Halloween? Tell us about and share a photo on our Facebook page.

***Here’s a Reminder too: If you’ve assembled the perfect Halloween costume from Goodwill, be sure to take your photo holding your “I Shopped at Goodwill Flyer” and send it to getcreative@goodwillaz.org by midnight on October 31. ***

Goodwill of Central Arizona thrift stores are a great place to find deals on furniture and other items for your home. While each store has an entire section of furniture, our Redesign store features only furniture and house-hold goods. The Goodwill Redesign store is located at 2115 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale.

At Redesign, you’ll find living room furniture, dining table sets, beds, dressers, desks and more. Many are gently-used items that have been donated to Goodwill, and there is also a wide selection of new goods at discounted prices.

“The Goodwill Scottsdale Redesign store has a large selection of furniture and other home décor items,” says store manager, Jeffrey Lozier. “This Goodwill location is unique in that only furniture, home décor, and small household appliances are sold here.”

If you’re looking to decorate your home, Redesign has walls lined with wall art and shelves full of great finds for your home.

Great Finds at Redesign:

Here are some of the items we found on our most recent trip to Redesign:

Check out more great finds from a recent trip to our Redesign Store on our Facebook page.

“This marks our third location in Scottsdale,” said Jackie Halleen, vice president of retail operations. “New store openings always generate excitement in the community and this one will be particularly festive with Halloween just around the corner.  If you are still in need of a costume, Goodwill has many ideas and a nice assortment of new and donated goods.”

Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492 on an adventure that that led to an unpredictable discovery. Visiting Goodwill can be a similar experience. You never know what great things you’ll find on Columbus Day when shopping your local Goodwill of Central Arizona store.

Today we’d like to share a bit about items that you can find at Goodwill to decorate your home. Seeking to brighten up a room? You’ll find an assortment of lamps and small lighting fixtures at your nearest Goodwill store. This lamp (seen here) was spotted at our Goodwill Redesign Store in Scottsdale.

If your walls need a splash of color, Goodwill stores feature full displays of wall art. Find a ready to go work of art, or unique pieces that can be re-purposed to fit any room.

Clocks, vases, faux floral arrangements, and unique, fun figurines are also items that you’ll find when you shop at Goodwill. Here are a few that we’ve spotted (photos below)

Setting Sail? Donate to Goodwill

If you’ll be setting sail on your own new adventure and moving soon, donate your no longer needed items to Goodwill before you pack. Your donations and purchases to Goodwill help support programs that put people in our community to work.

Happy Columbus Day! How are you spending your day? Tell us about it on our Facebook page!

It’s Thrifty Thursday, and we feel pretty strongly that shopping at Goodwill is always a win-win scenario. Our shoppers find great deals on an amazing finds, and purchases help support programs that put people in our community to work.

But this past week, Goodwill of Central Arizona won big with our 7th St. and Dunlap store’s designation as the “Best Thrift Store for Vintage Cookware” by the Phoenix New Times. From the New Times: “We thought it was a total fluke when we found two minty-mint Wearever cook-pots from the 1940s at this thrift store, but then a few weeks later, we found the matching saucepan — with its lid, too! After that, we made this unusually clean shop a regular stop.”

Win When You Shop at Goodwill

We couldn’t agree more! Goodwill is a great place to find vintage cookware for your collection, as well as an assortment of high quality pots, pans, serving ware, and many more things for your kitchen, such as small appliances like coffee pots, crock-pots, and toasters. And while you’re sure to find something great when shopping at the 7th Street and Dunlap location, you’re practically guaranteed to feel like you’ve won big when you shop at any Goodwill of Central Arizona store.

Here are some of our finds from a visit to the 7th St. and Dunlap store. Share your great finds from Goodwill on our Facebook page.

Decorative Vintage Teapot

Retro Cookware: T-Fal Pan

This most recent contribution brings Chase’s total investment in the Phoenix-based Goodwill to $320,000 over the past three years.

The initial Chase grant helped fund the Chase Career Center, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2011 at Goodwill’s Retail Operation Center in Phoenix.  In 2010, Chase gave $115,000 to establish the career center and $100,000 in 2011 to fund business services activity.  This year’s grant will not only enhance career services but focus on job seekers who have experienced domestic violence.

“We are very grateful to JPMorgan Chase Bank for their ongoing support of Goodwill of Central Arizona,” said Petra Schaumburg-Fitch, director of community development.  “Corporate partnerships are vital in enabling us to fulfill our mission to put people to work.  Last year’s commitment allowed us to serve a record number of people, and the recent contribution positions us to achieve an even greater impact on Arizona’s community in the coming year.”

Goodwill has utilized the Chase Career Center to build its career services outreach, hosting monthly job fairs, as well as weekly basis computer skills classes.  The career center also offers resume development, mock interviewing skills, career coaching and career exploration.  The center’s training room has 15 computer work stations and the career center has 12 such stations.  The work stations all have computers at individual desks in training rooms complete with Goodwill motivational words on the wall, such as “We Put People to Work” and projection screen for teacher and trainers.

One of the newest Goodwill stores bringing great deals to local shoppers is our Lake Pleasant store. Located at 83rd Avenue and Lake Pleasant Road in North Peoria, this Goodwill is one of our largest stores, with a huge selection of woman’s clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, furniture, small household appliances, decorative items, shoes and more.

Goodwill is the Official Sponsor of Halloween – Find Great Deals at the Lake Pleasant Goodwill Store

Right now is a great time to find seasonal merchandise as we gear up for the Holiday season. Goodwill is the official sponsor of Halloween, so you’ll find everything from spooky, scary, and creative costumes to home decorations.

“The Lake Pleasant Goodwill store has a large selection of Halloween merchandise, so no matter what type of costume you’d like to wear for Halloween, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for here,” says store manager, Adam Lewis.

During Halloween time and year-round, when you shop or donate to your local Goodwill of Central Arizona store, you’ll support programs that help people in our community find work. So get to your local Goodwill store and find those “good” deals. Be sure to share your good finds on the Goodwill AZ Facebook page!

Furniture Projects from The Goodwill Gal

Our friend The Goodwill Gal has shared many repurposed pieces on her blog, like this repurposed buffet stand. She purchased the stand for $45.00 at a Goodwill of Central Arizona store, and it now serves as an entry-way table (great idea, right?). With a little imagination, an older piece of furniture was remade into a front-of-home statement piece.

Also written about on the The Goodwill Gal’s blog is her hutch, now affectionately named Eve. Eve was purchased for $89.99 at a Goodwill of Central Arizona store. As you can see from Eve’s before photo, with just a bit of time and effort, she was transformed and is now described by The Goodwill Gal as “more crisp,” and “a little lighter in appearance.”

Year-round, Eve houses The Goodwill Gal’s milk-glass collection. Eve is also decorated seasonally, and to reflect various holidays, like Halloween, and special events, like the Super Bowl. Want to know the step-by-step process of how Eve was re-made in to the piece that she is now? Read more at The Goodwill Gal’s blog here.

Share with us!

Have you repurposed an item purchased at Goodwill? Share a photo on our Facebook page – we’d love to see it!

If you’re looking for an even greater bargain, Thursdays are a great day to shop Goodwill. Every Thursday is $1 Color Tag Day, where all items of a specified color are just $1.
For this week’s Think Thrift Thursday post, we’ve put together an outfit featuring today’s pink $1 color tag items. Our mannequin, Molly, (yes, we named her!) is modeling a pink skirt, black with white trim top, and a lavender scarf. Because all are pink tag items, this Thursday, they’re $1 each. For just $3, this is a complete look from our 32nd Street and Cactus store.

You can put together your own thrifty, yet stylish look by shopping your nearest Goodwill store. Want to own this look? Visit our Facebook page, and like this outfit. We’ll choose one winner randomly on 9/21 to award this skirt, top, and scarf to.

For days and dates of special sale days, check out our Sale Calendar to save all throughout the week. If you haven’t yet, be sure to also sign up for our e-mail updates which offer a monthly coupon for 20% off your purchase at Goodwill (restrictions apply).

At Goodwill we accept:

• Clothing – men’s, woman’s, and children’s,
• Shoes, whether they’re sandals, boots, heels, and sneakers – we’ll take them!
• Small household appliances,
• Furniture, like bookcases, beds, dining tables, chairs etc.,
• Handbags, jewelry, linens, knick-knacks, tools, toys, even automobiles! Click here to view the complete list of items we accept.

There’s a Goodwill donation location where you can drop off your items that’s close and convenient for you.

Clearing out things to donate before packing will save money and space – you’ll use less boxes and packing materials, and won’t take up unnecessary room in your moving truck that could be space for other items.

Take time in the weeks prior to your move to plan ahead and set aside no longer needed items to donate to Goodwill. With a little extra preparation, moving doesn’t have to be too stressful.

Moving? Donate to Goodwill.

“At over 27,000 square feet, this is one of the largest Goodwill stores in the area. Shoppers are sure to find great deals. Merchandise is always being placed out on the sales floor so there are always new items to discover,” says store manager (Priscilla Rodriguez).

As you can see from the photos, the new Dysart location is one of the largest Goodwill of Central Arizona stores. Long rows of racks are filled with shirts, tops, jeans, pants, shoes, handbags, purses, housewares, small appliances, wall art, and thousands of other items.

When it’s time to make room for new purchases, the Goodwill Dysart store offers a donation center, making it convenient for residents in the areas of Litchfield Park and Luke Air Force Base to drop-off their donations. Located along the north side of the building, Goodwill donation attendants are ready to assist and process your donations.

Our Dysart retail store and donation center is located at 5116 N. Dysart Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. Store hours are 9am-9pm Monday through Saturday, and 10am-6 pm on Sundays.

Read more about the grand opening of Goodwill’s Dysart location in the Arizona Republic.

View photos from the grand opening celebration.

This award is granted each year to an individual who has an exceptional record of contributions to the human resource profession, and led at least one outstanding project during the previous year that significantly impacted the HR community.

Nobu’s many recent contributions to the HR profession include representing members of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in testifying before the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, leading the Senior Human Resource Executive Council with active participation among its members, and representing the group in significant conversations with SHRM to push for strategies to sustain the success of member services through the development of membership programs specifically for HR executives.

Nobu was chosen by a panel of previous Ann Byrnes, SPHR Award winners from a pool of nominees that truly are the best in their profession. Please join us in congratulating Nobu on his remarkable achievements, and his impressive win of this prestigious award!

“Halloween is one of our favorite holidays,” said Jackie Halleen, vice president of retail operations at Goodwill.  “All you need is a little imagination and we’ll provide the rest.  Whether you want to be an airline pilot, teacher, military personnel, 80’s prom queen, rock star or pick the perfect princess, cowboy, sports figure or superhero costume for your child, we can help.”

Goodwill of Central Arizona will be holding its annual costume contest.  The categories include:

• Best Individual
• Best Couple
• Best Children’s Costume

Shoppers should send a photo to GetCreative@goodwillaz.org in their Goodwill costume with the “I shopped at Goodwill” sign (provided at checkout) for a chance to win a variety of great prizes! Contest will run from 10/1 through midnight on 10/31.

Repurposing and reusing is a trend that most American’s have embraced since the economic downturn.  Halloween is no different.  In 2010, Goodwill Industries® helped keep more than 2 billion pounds of used goods out of landfills.

Beginning today shoppers will see Halloween merchandise in all 50 Goodwill stores, including decorations and knick-knacks.  Shoppers can expect the same great low prices on Halloween merchandise that they find each day at Goodwill. For more information, visit www.goodwillaz.org/halloween.

Pick Up a Paperback

Planning to relax on your day off? Unwind with a good book (or two) from Goodwill.  Browse our shelves for a selection of great reads at low prices. Mystery novels, science fiction stories, or best-sellers—you never know what you’ll find!  And the best part is, your purchase will help someone else find their happy ending.

Goodwill Find: $1 Blue Tag Books

Lounge Around

Summer is coming to a close and for Central Arizona that means cooler, more comfortable temperatures are on the way. Gear up for outdoor lounging with a patio furniture set from Goodwill. Shopping our furniture section is a great way to find something unique to spruce up your outdoor space.
Goodwill Find: Comfy Polka-Dot Bench

Add Color to Your Closet

No white after Labor Day, as the adage goes. But that leaves an entire rainbow of colors to wear this fall. Give your wardrobe a lift—and your budget a break—by shopping for fall fashions at Goodwill. Explore the Shop section of our website for coupons and sale information.

Goodwill Find: Bright and Sunny Top

Get a Jump on the Holidays

Labor Day marks the coming of  the holiday season. Get ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other holidays by shopping at Goodwill. We’re a one-stop shop for creative costumes, decorations, kitchenware, one-of-a-kind gifts and more. Visit your local Goodwill to see what treasures you can find.

Goodwill Find: Adorable Infant Cow Costume

Make Room for More

With the holidays comes a lot of new stuff! Make room in your home for food, guests and gifts with a little fall cleaning. Clear out your drawers, closets and garage, then donate any unused or unwanted items to Goodwill. 90 cents of every dollar we receive from the sale of your items will go toward training and job placement services for Arizonans in need.

Find a Donation Center in Central Arizona

Donating unwanted household items just became easier. Goodwill of Central Arizona now offers home pick-ups!

Scheduling a pickup with Goodwill is a fast and convenient way to give back!

Simple, Convenient Donation Pick-Up

It’s FREE and it takes less than one minute to schedule a pickup:

1. Gather your used household items.

2. Schedule a pick-up at donate.goodwillaz.org.

3. On your pick-up date, put your items out for pick-up by 7:00 AM.

Or call 602-513-8444 to schedule your pick-up.

Currently, Goodwill of Central Arizona operates 50 retail stores and eight stand-alone donation centers throughout central Arizona. Goodwill accepts community donations of housewares, clothing, furniture, electronics, toys, accessories and vehicles from over 1 million donors annually.

“Our loyal shoppers started lining up outside the store at 10pm the night before,” said Dolan Leveen, Director of Asset Protection. “More than 615 shoppers entered the store in the first 30 minutes, which demonstrates the great community support we have in Litchfield Park,” added Leveen.

This is the first Litchfield Park store for Goodwill of Central Arizona. Shoppers can expect the same great bargains and treasures that they find at other Goodwill locations. Area residents are urged to bring their gently used clothing and household items to the new Litchfield Park store.

About Goodwill of Central Arizona

With 64 years of serving central Arizona’s communities, Goodwill of Central Arizona is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our Commitment is to Put People to Work throughout Arizona by providing job training and employment services to those with vocational disadvantages and disabilities that can include mental and emotional barriers, physical disabilities, welfare dependency, illiteracy and age. In 2011, we served more than 35,900 youth and adults on their quest toward self-sufficiency and secured more than 12,400 employment opportunities. For more information on Goodwill of Central Arizona, visit www.goodwillaz.org.

Goodwill will celebrate the opening of the Dysart store, located at 5116 N. Dysart Road in Litchfield Park, with a grand opening event starting at 9 AM. The first 150 people in line outside the store will receive $5 gift cards good toward their next purchase at any Goodwill location.

For updates on our latest Grand Opening event, find us on Facebook and Twitter:

• facebook.com/goodwillaz
• twitter.com/goodwillaz

Goodwill of Central Arizona retail stores are the main fundraising mechanism for our organization. Approximately 90 cents of every dollar Goodwill earns returns to our community programs that help disadvantaged youth and adults prepare for and find work.

To find nearby Goodwill locations, please visit www.goodwillaz.org/locator.

Goodwill of Central Arizona and Dell have expanded the company’s existing ReConnect program, designed to enable consumers to responsibly recycle any brand of unwanted computers and computer accessories at no cost, to Arizona. Revenue generated from the recycled computer equipment supports Goodwill’s job training programs, workforce development and placement services and other community-based programs for people with barriers to employment.

Individuals who drop off their computer equipment at any of Goodwill’s donation and retail locations in Central Arizona will receive a tax receipt, regardless of the brand and condition of the equipment. Consumers are responsible for removing all personal data prior to donating. Donated equipment meeting ReConnect’s criteria will be resold and devices in need of repair will either be refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners.

“Goodwill is a leader in the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ model,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “The ReConnect partnership with Dell emphasizes the importance of extending the lifecycle of their unwanted electronics through environmentally responsible computer disposal, while helping create thousands of jobs and revenue for job training opportunities.”

Through a national partnership with Goodwill Industries International and Dell, the ReConnect program has been recently extended to more than 1,900 Goodwill locations nationwide. The first Reconnect program began in Austin, Texas, in 2004. To date, ReConnect has diverted more than 96 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and created more than 250 “green jobs,” with Goodwill managing responsible computer disassembly and disposal.

To locate a Goodwill drop-off location nearest you, please click here.

Also, you can donate to Goodwill through the following methods:

• Visit all of our locations in central Arizona
• Donate your gently used clothing and household items
• Donate your vehicle
• Corporate Donations

Your support helps Goodwill fulfill its commitment to Put People to Work!

Make a Donation Home Page >

During the Job Fair Palooza, job seekers were given the opportunity to meet with employers at all of Goodwill’s Career Centers in central Arizona.

According to Mark Sander, Business Services Coordinator for Goodwill of Central Arizona, more than 80 companies and organizations met with 3,216 job seekers throughout the state.

“This event provided Goodwill with an excellent environment to showcase our Career Centers while allowing unemployed Arizonans to visit with hiring companies,” said Sander.

American Valet was pleased with the turnout and their interactions with candidates who possessed a wide range of skills.

“As usual, the event was very well planned and organized,” said Tricia O’Neill of American Valet. “As a result of the promoting that was done, I was able to see job seekers who traveled to specifically meet with me for job opportunities.”

Job seeker Sandra Kelley said that the Job Fair Palooza was great because it allowed her to meet face-to-face with decision-makers. However, she would advise all Arizonans who attend the job fair to apply online for open positions before coming to future job fairs.

“Applying online is the most important step,” said Kelley. “When you meet with the companies at the job fairs, you are helping the hiring managers place a face with the name on your resumes.”

Goodwill will celebrate the opening of the Lake Pleasant store, 20713 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, with a grand opening event starting at 9 AM. The first 150 people in line outside the store will receive $5 gift cards good toward their next purchase at any Goodwill location.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept your generous donations at this location. Instead, visit our Union Hills Donation Center or go to donate.goodwillaz.org to schedule a home pick-up.

For updates on the Grand Opening, please visit our Social Networks:

• facebook.com/goodwillaz
• twitter.com/goodwillaz

Goodwill of Central Arizona retail stores are the primary fundraising mechanism for our organization. Approximately 92 cents of every dollar Goodwill earns returns to our community programs that help disadvantaged youth and adults prepare for and find work.

To find nearby Goodwill locations, please visit www.goodwillaz.org/locator.

Regular store and donation hours for store locations are 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday; 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.

Throughout the month of February, Goodwill of Central Arizona invites all of our shoppers and donors to join millions of Americans in showing our support for women’s heart health and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

Goodwill participated in National Wear Red Day® on February 3, a day when millions nationwide wore a favorite red dress, red shirt, red tie, or Red Dress Pin. National Wear Red Day® provides an opportunity for everyone to unite in the effort to urge women to protect their hearts. Shoppers who wore RED on National Red Day on February 3 got 10 percent off purchases at Goodwill of Central Arizona retail stores!

What is the Go Red for Women campaign?

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) launched Go Red for Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. The campaign is an effort to raise awareness that heart disease — the #1 killer of women — is largely preventable.

:Goodwill of Central Arizona will support the cause by selling the American Heart Association’s red hearts in all retail stores from February 10-29. The partnership will culminate with a Goodwill hosted fashion show at the Go Red for Women luncheon (more information to follow).

Also during February, Goodwill of Central Arizona will partner with the American Heart Association to host a few presentations/seminars in one or a few of our 13 Career Centers.

We urge all Goodwill supporters to get behind this major initiative as it gives us an opportunity to show that we not only Put People to Work, but we Put Healthy Hearts First.

National Wear Red Day® is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA.

In January, the Volunteer Program at Goodwill of Central Arizona was named as Goodwill Industries International’s 2011 Volunteer Program of the Year. Representatives from Goodwill of Central Arizona will pick up the award at the 2011 Delegate Assembly in June in Rochester, NY.

Goodwill of Central Arizona planted the seeds for its Volunteer Program in March 2009 when it started leveraging relationships with law enforcement professionals so it could serve and place individuals who needed to earn and complete court-ordered community service hours. All volunteers were required to meet certain criteria before being placed and were subject to a background check.

This effort has proved to be extremely beneficial for Goodwill of Central Arizona because the organization received thousands of hours of help in its Retail Stores and Career Centers.

In 2010 alone, Goodwill of Central Arizona placed 2,285 volunteers.
Now, the Volunteer Program has evolved into an initiative that offers skills training and employment services to disadvantaged youth and adults.

For example, Goodwill has been offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) sessions to Arizona residents since 2009. Each ESL session lasts 10-12 weeks and students gain valuable lessons on grammar, speaking, writing and listening.

Furthermore, the Volunteer Program has also implemented a “How to Brand Yourself to Employers” Workshop Series. Community partners such as American Express and Anthem College Online have helped Goodwill to host the seminars which focus on job preparation including resume building, networking, interviewing and highlighting core skills and strengths. The How to Brand Yourself to Employers workshops are free to the public.

In addition, Arizonans are receiving basic computer skills training through the Volunteer Program. Instructors teach class participants how to turn on a computer, how to access the Internet and how to use/recognize the computer’s components.

Tamera Murray, Volunteer Program Manager, said that the computer class students are eventually encouraged to enroll in Goodwill of Central Arizona’s Computer and Customer Service Training (CCST) program which prepares them for employment in the clerical, financial services or customer service fields. The fast-paced curriculum consists of 120 classroom hours on the topics of computer basics, customer service, telephone service, financial services and human relations. Students also learn how to use the Internet and the basics of Microsoft Office products.

Ultimately, Goodwill’s Volunteer Program will invite community members to help educate fellow central Arizonans about how the nonprofit positively impacts thousands of lives annually. These members will be Goodwill Ambassadors who will soon work in retail stores, greeting and helping customers while telling them about how their donations turn into dollars that help Arizonans in their quest for employment and economic sustainability. Ambassadors will also make presentations to local businesses and civic groups about how they can support Goodwill.

“I have watched this program grow and develop into an initiative that helps almost everyone within the community,” said Murray. “While Goodwill continues to grow our services, we are always developing and creating volunteer opportunities in our retail stores, workforce development and administration. I am extremely proud to receive this award from Goodwill Industries International.”

Jim Teter, President and CEO, is also excited about the Volunteer Program’s award and what it means to the Goodwill of Central Arizona organization.

“We are truly thrilled about this honor,” said Teter. “Through the Volunteer Program, Goodwill of Central Arizona has been incredibly successful in our efforts to educate the public about how our programs and services give our disadvantaged neighbors a ‘hand up’ to get ahead.”

If you are interested in joining the Goodwill of Central Arizona Volunteer team, please fill out a profile online at
volunteer.goodwillaz.org.

The Union Hills store, located at 710 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix, is temporarily closed for remodeling. This remodel will help Goodwill update the store a bit and provide a better shopping experience for our customers.

On March 2, Goodwill will celebrate the completion of the remodel with a grand opening event starting at 9 AM. The first 150 people in line receive a $5 Gift Card – this can be used anywhere for their next purchase.

Those who donate during the grand opening will receive a $5 off coupon good toward their next purchase at the Union Hills location only.**

For updates on the Grand Opening, please visit our Social Networks:

• facebook.com/goodwillaz
• twitter.com/goodwillaz

Goodwill of Central Arizona retail stores are the primary fundraising mechanism for our organization. Approximately 92 cents of every dollar Goodwill earns returns to our community programs that help disadvantaged youth and adults prepare for and find work.

To find nearby Goodwill locations, please visit www.goodwillaz.org/locator.

Goodwill of Central Arizona thanks all customers in advance for their patience and support.

**Good only at the Union Hills retail store and donation center. Good only from March 2-4, 2012. Not valid at Goodwill Clearance Center. Not valid with other offers, discounts, new merchandise, or food and beverage. Not valid on seasonal merchandise.

Don’t change the channel!!

It’s March Madness at Goodwill of Central Arizona because we have a Special that you have to see to believe!

Our stores are overloaded with great televisions that deserve loving homes!!

So … TVs are only $1 during our March TV-O-RAMA!**

Visit any of our Goodwill of Central Arizona stores during the month of March for the TV-O-RAMA!!

**Flat screens/Plasma/LCD/DLP screens not included.

The upcoming job fair will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 4400 S. Rural Road, Tempe.

The event is free and open to the public. Job seekers should dress professionally and bring copies of their resume.

Participating employers include:

• Macayo’s
• Wells Fargo
• Cox Communications
• Sagicor Life Insurance Company
• American Valet
• BBVA Compass Bank
• CDW
• PEPSICO
• Boeing
• Sedona Pines Resort
• Professional Employment Solutions
• Lifewell Behavioral Wellness
• Fry’s Food Stores
• Caregivers of Arizona
• Hyatt Regency Phoenix
• Goodwill of Central Arizona
• TCF Bank
• Safeway
• Cyracom International Inc
• AZ Dept. of Economic Security
• AZ Dept. of Corrections
• Cactus Radio-Sandusky Phoenix
• Life Maid Easy
• CORESTAFF
• Abrio Family Services
• Direct Alliance
• Liberty Mutual
• Avnet, Inc
• Chamberlin & Associates LLC
• Weiser Security Services, Inc
• Total Transit
• Clean Air Cab
• National Stores Inc.
• Compass Cleaning Solutions
• La Fonda Mexican Restaurant
• Nesco Resources
• IDS Technology Marketing

WHAT:

Job Fair hosted by Goodwill of Central Arizona

WHEN:

March 15, 2012
12-4 PM

WHERE:

Embassy Suites Hotel – Tempe
4400 S. Rural Road
Tempe, AZ 85282

For more information, please contact Mark Sander at 602.535.4152.

“Our commitment is to provide job training and help people get ready for jobs,” said Lisa Wilham, Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “By helping these individuals who might otherwise not have the same employment opportunities, we hope to change their lives, their families and revitalize the Prescott community.”

Since 2004, the nonprofit organization has been helping individuals in Prescott navigate a variety of barriers, such as autism, Down syndrome, mental health issues, physical disabilities and cerebral palsy, and obtain the necessary skills to compete for and find employment. Goodwill Rehabilitation Services has directly helped 82 clients prepare resumes, practice job interviewing skills and work on necessary self-presentation skills for maintaining a job.

Currently, 17 individuals from the Prescott area are utilizing Goodwill’s services to help them build hard and soft skills and prepare for work. Goodwill has referrals from various state agencies and is able to successfully help some find work through its various community partners.

For more information on how Goodwill’s Rehabilitation Services provides life changing work skills to individuals with barriers to employment, please visit our Rehabilitation Services page.

More than 600 people were lined up before our Greenfield store at opened 9 AM, located at 4412 E. University Drive in Mesa. Arizona residents have been flocking to Goodwill stores in today’s stressed economy in order to save money on clothing and household goods.

Not only were the opening-day customers treated to performances by the marching bands, they also were able to enter raffles for three LCD TVs and a $500 Goodwill store shopping spree. Pollack generously donated the prizes and was instrumental in helping Goodwill establish the store in Mesa after the property had been vacant for nearly a decade.

Donating and shopping at Goodwill keeps millions of pounds of gently used items out of landfills and puts them into the hands of those who can reuse them. Furthermore, 90 cents of every dollar Goodwill earns returns to the organization’s community programs that help individuals prepare for and find work.

“We are excited about the community’s support of this store,” said Jackie Halleen, Vice President of Retail Operations for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “We are confident that this store will provide residents in Mesa with new jobs, a great place to shop and a place to donate their unwanted, gently used household items.”

Regular store hours are 9 AM to 9 PM Mondays through Saturdays, and 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays.

Goodwill of Central Arizona is set to open our Greenfield retail store and donation center on November 4 (rescheduled from October 14), will be located at 4412 E. University Dr., Mesa.

Our grand opening celebration will feature two marching bands and raffles for exciting prizes including three 42″ LCD TVs and a $500 Goodwill Shopping Spree! Get there early to receive your raffle tickets because we will hold our drawings for all of the prizes at 10 AM! You must be present to win.

Those who donate during the grand opening – which begins at 9 AM – will receive a $5 off coupon good toward their next purchase at the Greenfield location only**.

The first 150 people in line receive a $5 Gift Card – this can be used anywhere for their next purchase.

Retail stores are the main fundraising mechanism that supports Goodwill’s human service programs and allows our organization to give a “hand up” to the record number of individuals seeking help in today’s struggling economy.

Moreover, our stores offer residents the opportunity to donate and shop, as well as find great bargains and unique treasures designed to fit any budget. In today’s tight economic conditions, more consumers than ever are turning to Goodwill to stretch their dollars while finding name-brand, gently used clothing and household items.

Shopping and donating at Goodwill stores helps revitalize Arizona’s communities by helping Arizona youth and adults obtain the skills they need to prepare for and find employment – moving them into a taxpayer role. 90 cents of every dollar earned by Goodwill is used to support job skills training and employment services in our organization’s 36 human service programs.

Regular store and donation hours for store locations are 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday; 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.

**Good only at the Greenfield retail store and donation center. Good only from November 4-6, 2011. Not valid at Goodwill Clearance Center. Not valid with other offers, discounts, new merchandise, or food and beverage. Not valid on seasonal merchandise.

Your donations keep millions of pounds of gently used items out of Arizona’s landfills and puts them into the hands of those who can reuse them.

Did you know Goodwill can help clean out more than just clothing, drawers and closets?

From the office to the garage, here are the top five things you might not realize Goodwill of Central Arizona accepts as donations:

1. Computers: Whether they are in working condition or not, desktop computers and laptops contain parts that are hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. Through a partnership with Dell, all Goodwill donation centers in central Arizona now accept computers to be recycled, free of charge. Stores will accept donations of computer accessories such as keyboards, mice and USB drives.

2. Cell phones: When people upgrade to new cell phones, they often keep the old, unused phones in junk drawers or throw them away. In fact, unused cell phones make up one of the fastest-growing kinds of trash in America. Goodwill works with partners to collect and recycle phones.

3. Cars: Goodwill of Central Arizona accepts vehicle donations, which are either sold at our GOODWHEELS car lot in Phoenix to fund job-training and community-based programs. GOODWHEELS and many Goodwill stores also accept bicycles, boats, trucks, RVs — even airplanes!

4. Money: Individuals who already have clean closets can still help. Goodwill of Central Arizona assists thousands of Arizonans in overcoming obstacles in finding employment. Monetary donations to Goodwill are tax-deductible and Goodwill is consistently ranked among top charities. Moreover, 90 cents of every dollar earned by Goodwill of Central Arizona funds the organization’s commitment to help people prepare for and find work. Please Donate Online today.

5. Time: Valley residents can donate their time by volunteering with Goodwill of Central Arizona. In order to meet the growing demand for our services from central Arizonans, Goodwill now actively recruits community volunteers to serve as ambassadors and support our mission, We Put People to Work. For more information about volunteering with Goodwill of Central Arizona, contact Tamera Murray at 602-535-4000.

To find the nearest Goodwill donation center in central Arizona, visit goodwillaz.org/locator.

Donations are the life-blood of our organization. Record numbers of Arizonans are utilizing Goodwill’s human services programs that offer workforce development and individual/economic revitalization. Our success depends on our ability to turn your donations into dollars that fund our efforts.

Goodwill of Central Arizona is set to open our new Pavilions at Talking Stick store and donation center on Sept. 30.

This 23,555 square-foot location, which will be located at 8959 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, will also host Goodwill of Central Arizona’s 13th Career Center. Each of Goodwill’s Career Center locations provide assistance and guidance to job seekers. Career Centers are equipped with computers, printers, Internet access, telephones, and fax machines to provide services at no cost to the community.

Those who donate during the grand opening – which begins at 9 AM – will receive a $5 gift certificate good toward their next purchase at the Pavilions at Talking Stick store*.

The first 150 people in line will receive a $5 Gift Card – this can be used anywhere for their next purchase.

Retail stores are the main fundraising mechanism that supports Goodwill’s human service programs and allows our organization to give a “hand up” to the record number of individuals seeking help in today’s struggling economy.

Moreover, our stores offer residents the opportunity to donate, shop and enter to win prizes, as well as find great bargains and unique treasures designed to fit any budget. In today’s tight economic conditions, more consumers than ever are turning to Goodwill to stretch their dollars while finding name-brand, gently used clothing and household items.

Shopping and donating at Goodwill stores helps revitalize Arizona’s communities by helping Arizona youth and adults obtain the skills they need to prepare for and find employment – moving them into a taxpayer role. 90 cents of every dollar earned by Goodwill is used to support job skills training and employment services in the organization’s 36 human service programs.

Regular store and donation hours for store locations are 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday; 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.

*$5 off coupons handed out at this grand opening:

• Good only at Pavilions at Talking Stick location

• Good only from September 30, 2011-October 2, 2011

• Not valid at Goodwill Clearance Center

• Not valid with other offers, discounts, new merchandise, or food and beverage

• Not valid on seasonal merchandise

Goodwill’s Commercial Services division provides high-quality, competitively priced commercial business services throughout central Arizona.

The division provides job opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment through a variety of services, primarily janitorial cleaning, floor and carpet care, as well as grounds maintenance.

The TOBY Award, given by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), is one of the most prestigious awards of its kind in the commercial real estate industry. The award recognizes excellence in office building management and operations in specific categories of building size or type.

For nine years, Goodwill’s Commercial Services division has been providing janitorial and landscaping services to the Sandra Day O’Connor Federal U.S. Courthouse in Phoenix, resulting in its second TOBY award for excellence in government building operations and management. Goodwill’s Commercial Services division contributes to the overall look and presence of the building.

“This award is a testimony to the work that is done by our team in the Sandra Day O’Connor building,” said Paul Wilson, Executive Director of Commercial Services for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “It’s an honor to be recognized as a partner in this award alongside our customer the Federal General Services Administration.”

The Sandra Day O’Connor building’s owners and managers, the Federal General Services Administration, accepted the award on Tuesday, June 30, at an awards ceremony in Philadelphia, PA.

For more information regarding Goodwill’s Commercial Services division or to inquire about services available to the community, please click here.

On May 19 during a luncheon in Phoenix, Goodwill received a 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award from Keep Arizona Beautiful, a nonprofit that strives to preserve and enhance the environmental quality and beautification of Arizona.

Keep Arizona Beautiful honored Goodwill for being an entrepreneurial leader, environmental pioneer, and social innovator of the “reduce, reuse, repurpose” practice. Moreover, Goodwill was praised for offering sustainability training through our Pathways Adult Training and Employment Program, which assists individuals who are interested in obtaining certification in green jobs.

In addition, Goodwill of Central Arizona was lauded for our recycling initiative which diverts more than 100 million pounds of stuff from entering area landfills each year.

Goodwill of Central Arizona is proud to be a recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award.

Ultimately, our organization understands that providing a “hand up” to the thousands of people who depend on our job training programs and employment services would not be possible if Goodwill of Central Arizona did not offer a business model that turned waste into resources that shoppers could re-use.

Pictured: Courtney Nelson, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Vern Dunn, After Market Director, accept the 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award from Keep Arizona Beautiful during a May 19 luncheon in Phoenix.

Goodwill of Central Arizona temporarily closed our Alma School store, 930 N. Alma School Road, Chandler from April 3-28 to complete a remodeling project.

“This remodel will help us rovide the best shopping experience to our great customers on one-of-a-kind treasures,” said Jackie Halleen, Vice President of Retail Operations.

According to Halleen, shoppers and donors can expect to see a “much cleaner and brighter store” with updated fixtures and the store will start selling new mattresses and snacks.

For more information on the April 29 Grand Re-Opening, please call the store at (480) 792-6924 or visit:

• facebook.com/goodwillaz
• twitter.com/goodwillaz

To find nearby Goodwill locations, please visit www.goodwillaz.org/locator.

Goodwill of Central Arizona thanks all customers for their patience and support during the closure.

In 2010, Goodwill of Central Arizona’s Workforce Development team served 30,120 individuals and placed 9,280 people into jobs. Furthermore, our 10 Career Centers registered 103,845 visits from individuals looking for assistance with job training and educational opportunities.

Yolanda Carrothers, Vice President of Workforce Development, said she was not surprised by the 2010 figures as the staff worked very hard to serve more people.

“In 2010, we started the year with a 9.2 percent unemployment rate and by August and September, we had had highs of 9.7 percent,” said Carrothers. “And the Yuma unemployment rate was much worse hovering at 26.8 percent.”

But in spite of the staggering unemployment rates, Carrothers said her staff was noticing an alarming trend by mid-year 2010.

“Our Career Centers and other workforce development agencies in the Phoenix metropolitan area were actually experiencing a slowdown in jobseekers,” stated Carrothers. “What we discovered after our conversations is that people had given up hope and on their job search. They were tired of unsuccessfully trying to land jobs that just weren’t available.”

As a result, Carrothers and her entire Workforce Development team “went to the people.”

Staff set up tables at Goodwill of Central Arizona stores, held recruitment events at schools and partnered with other nonprofit agencies. Goodwill’s eight job fairs conducted in Phoenix and Yuma attracted more than 3,400 individuals and more than 4,000 individuals took part in weekly employer events at the Career Centers. Moreover, the Workforce Development team advertised on television in late 2010 and were flooded with calls from people seeking a “hand up” to prepare for and find work.

The Pathways Adult Training and Employment Program was a tremendous success story for the Workforce Development department and Goodwill overall. The program, which is 100 percent funded by a $1.5M grant from the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration through Goodwill Industries International, provided high-growth green jobs training to individuals living in high poverty geographic locations in Phoenix. Last year’s figures showed that 228 individuals received training in areas such as environmental literacy, weatherization, solar and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). More than 50 percent of the trainees found work with outside firms or Goodwill of Central Arizona.

Overall, Goodwill’s Workforce Development department’s 36 human services programs are dedicated to helping youths and adults achieve their highest potential through a variety of career options, despite any barriers to employment that may exist. The Workforce Development staff offer comprehensive programs to provide individuals with the self-confidence, training and soft skills experience needed to become employable in today’s competitive labor market. These programs and services are provided at no cost to the community.

Material and cash donations from the community make it possible for Goodwill to provide a “hand up” to Arizonans who want to prepare for and find work. Goodwill then sells your donations in our stores and turns them into dollars that help the unskilled become skilled and the dependent move toward independence.

For more information about donating to Goodwill, please visit the “Make a Donation” page on goodwillaz.org or go to facebook.com/goodwillaz.

For shoppers who prefer to buy clothing and housewares by the pound, join us at the Nov. 5 grand opening of Goodwill of Central Arizona’s brand new Retail Operations Center (ROC) – featuring our new Clearance Outlet! The center, which boasts 10,000 square feet of bargains, is the place to be! The grand opening festivities run from 8 AM to 7 PM at the Clearance Outlet which is located at 515 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix.

Job seekers are also invited to ROC–n-Stroll at the Retail Operations Center where we offer a Career Center. Goodwill’s Career Centers provide assistance and guidance throughout the job search process. Career Centers are equipped with computers, printers, Internet access, telephones, fax machines and career advisors to provide services at no cost to the community.

Goodwill is thrilled to open a Clearance Outlet and Career Center in Phoenix after the former Clearance Center and Salvage Operations, co-located at 16th Street and Van Buren, were destroyed in a fire on July 31.

Regular store and donation hours for the new Phoenix ROC location are 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday; 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.

Download Our ROC Direct Mail Piece!
Nov. 5 Grand Opening Shoppers Can Enter to Win a $25 Goodwill Gift Card!

“The new Mesa store brings the Mesa community new jobs, a new, great place to shop and an easy way to donate their unwanted, gently used household items” said Jackie Halleen, vice president of retail operations for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “Our newest location in Mesa is another way we’re supporting our commitment to turn donations into dollars that will help Arizonans in their quest for employment and economic sustainability.”

Goodwill of Central Arizona retail stores are the primary fundraising mechanism for the organization’s 36 human services programs. Goodwill stores also provide thousands of jobs for Arizonans and generate more than $60 million in revenue that directly supports the local economy.

The new, modern store which features almost 30,000 square feet of retail space and nearly 100,000 freshly stocked items drew rave reviews from customers.

“I’ve been shopping at Goodwill since I was a kid,” said Valley resident Roberta Kennedy. “Our family comes to Goodwill because we love to recycle. This store is a good place.”

Each Goodwill store also offers on-the-job training and skills development for participants while providing quality goods at remarkable prices. Treasures customers may find include new and gently used clothing, jewelry, furniture, electronics, house wares and toys.

Regular store and donation hours for the new Mesa location are 9 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday; 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday.

To find a Goodwill store and donation center near you, please click HERE.

The opening of the Weber store and donation center, which is located at 1290 N. Scottsdale Road, means that Goodwill has four Goodwill locations in Tempe and a total of 43 stores in Arizona’s communities. All of Goodwill’s stores double as a donation center where “old stuff” is turned into the opportunity for a new live – both for individuals and material goods. Dignitaries such as Tempe City Councilman Corey Woods participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 21.

“The new Tempe store will provide the Tempe and south Scottsdale communities with new jobs, a great place to shop and a way to donate their unwanted, gently-used household items,” said Jackie Halleen, Vice President of Retail Operations for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “This new location supports our commitment to turn donations into dollars that will help Arizonans in their quest for employment and economic sustainability.”

The new, modern store features 23,820 square feet of retail space and offers customers nearly 100,000 freshly stocked items. Each Goodwill store also offers on-the-job training opportunities and skills development for program participants while providing quality goods at remarkable prices. Treasures customers may find include new and gently used clothing, jewelry, furniture, electronics, housewares and toys.

Margie Warren, a loyal customer, said she loves to shop at Goodwill because she “finds deals at the stores.”

Warren added, “It’s great to know that my purchases help Goodwill find jobs for people.

“Tanya has played a key role in enhancing the financial stability, credibility and overall effectiveness of Goodwill of Central Arizona” said Jim Teter, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to her continued financial leadership and appreciate her passion for ensuring Goodwill is well-positioned to carry out its mission.”

Prior to joining Goodwill, Perry held various leadership roles in both public accounting and private industry. She spent nearly nine years in public accounting where she specialized in non-profit organization audits and eventually led a non-profit audit department practice. After leaving public accounting, Tanya spent several years in financial management roles in the private sector, including four years as Controller at Goodwill of Northern New England.

Perry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Thomas College and is a licensed CPA. In her personal time, Perry enjoys hiking, golf, running and spending time with family and friends.

In December, Goodwill hit the 100,000 mark for the number of Career Center visits in 2009 far surpassing last year’s total of 65,000 visits.

Goodwill’s Career Centers are a gateway to services for the unemployed, underemployed, and those with vocational barriers who need help navigating not only the economic challenges but personal challenges as well. The Career Centers provide a supportive environment to assist job seekers in reaching their employment goals, whether its job market information, resume building or job skills training.

Michael Burchett, Career Services Coordinator, said this remarkable figure could not be reached without a significant and well-balanced daily effort on the part of the Career Center staff.

“While we have experienced an increase of more than 50 percent in the number of services provided this year over last year, our customer satisfaction surveys report an above 90 percent rating,” said Burchett. “This means our clients find value in our services and to date we have placed over 5,000 job seekers into competitive employment.”

Currently, Goodwill has 10 Career Centers throughout central Arizona which offer computer and Internet access, job postings, fax and copy service and many other resources to job seekers. Goodwill’s Workforce Development department is dedicated to helping youths and adults achieve their highest potential through a variety of career options, despite any barriers to employment that may exist.

These programs and services are provided at no cost to the community.

“I am extremely proud of our team and their commitment to the Mission and supporting our local communities,” stated Burchett. “We Put People to Work.”

The “Best Places to Work” list, which was started in 2003, recognizes Valley companies who, through a third-party-administered employee satisfaction survey, rank as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture, and management practices.

Goodwill was acknowledged for creating an enjoyable corporate culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees. By offering its employees such benefits as 401k retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and employee giveaways, Goodwill has promoted a pleasant and productive atmosphere for its valued workforce.

“We are excited to rank #30 on the “Best Places to Work” in the Valley list this year,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “Making the list is truly an honor for everyone working for and associated with Goodwill. We are extremely proud of our employees and the dedicated services they help provide to our local communities every day.”

Winners were announced at the “Best Places to Work” Luncheon, Dec. 10 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, and were featured in the Dec. 11 edition of the Phoenix Business Journal and on an exclusive Website for the Valley’s “Best Places to Work” – www.BestCompaniesAZ.com.