A Goodwill Moment

Failure is Not an Option
By Brenda J. Washington, Goodwill Graduate

My name is Brenda J. Washington and I am an alumnus of the Goodwill Class of 2006. I participated and successfully completed the hospitality and customer service skills class. My life and career has improved tremendously since completing my training at Goodwill. It was an uphill struggle at first and times when I wanted to just give up. But Goodwill didn’t give up on me.

They gave me the confidence to go on. They gave me the use of their facilities and computers to push on. They gave me the inspiration to carry on. And for that I thank you all!

It takes courage to push us to places that we’ve never been before. To test our limits. To break through barriers. But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. That’s why for me, failure is not an option.

Today I am currently working as an administrative assistant for Winn Residential. We manage three apartment properties consisting of over 500 apartment units. My job is mainly providing help wherever it is needed. Doing things such as answering the phones, filing and taking calls for repairs that’s needed at a particular residence.

I’ve only been with the company a few months but if things work out, I’ll go to Boston to train as a Certified Occupancy Specialist.

As a result of my training at Goodwill, I overcame anxiety, stress, underachievement and low self-esteem. Change doesn’t necessarily happen quickly or easily, but it can happen.

Also, I was able to use my customer service training skills to deal with angry occupants that were having problems in their places of residence. Thank you to Matt my instructor! I think that I’ll go a long way with the knowledge that you’ve given me in your class. It was invaluable.

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Share the Warmth--Spread the Goodwill promotion launches today!

Beginning today through December 12, Goodwill professionals can join Banana Republic customers in donating adult-sized sweaters at participating stores and help "share the warmth." Anyone who donates a clean, gently used sweater at Banana Republic stores will receive a 30 percent discount on the purchase of a new regularly-priced sweater (excluding 100 percent cashmere sweaters).  More than 400 Banana Republic stores in the United States and Canada are working with more than 100 Goodwill members in this retail trade-in promotion.

The "Share the Warmth-Spread the Goodwill" retail promotion follows up last year’s "Drop Your Pants for Charity" campaign, which produced outstanding results. Goodwills collected more than 35,000 articles of clothing, with each participating agency gathering an average of 324 items. The donated clothing and textiles generated an estimated $210,000 in revenues to support Goodwill’s job training and career services for individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages.

Banana Republic is also promoting the - Share the Warmth - Spread the Goodwill - event and Goodwill’s mission to consumers via newspaper ads, direct mail, e-mail blasts, bag stuffers, in-store signage and on their web site.  Print ads will run on December 6 and 9 in nine major markets, including in The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Post, The San Francisco Chronicle and others.

Click the link to see the - Share the Warmth - Spread the Goodwill splash page located on Banana Republic’s web site.

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Planning on Donating Toys to Goodwill? Please Check for Recalls!

If you are planning to donate any used toys to Goodwill this holiday season, first of all…thank you! Second please check the toys to make sure they are not on the CPSC list of recalled toys. While we are working diligently to make sure that no recalled toys make it to our retail store shelves, there is always a chance that we may miss a few. Your help in checking the toys for any recalls before donating them to Goodwill would be very helpful in ensuring that no child is given a dangerous toy purchased from Goodwill this holiday season. A complete list of recalled toy websites can be found by visiting www.dcgoodwill.org. Just click on the link for TOY RECALLS link. Thank you!

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Take Action Now!
Helping People with Disabilities Save for Retirement Support Personal Retirement Savings for Persons with Disabilities (H.R. 3696)

On September 27, 2007, Rep. Ron Lewis (R-KY) introduced H.R. 3696, Personal Savings for Persons with Disabilities. The bill would modify the nation's disability policy to exclude 401k and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) from means-tested benefits. The proposed bill would exclude up to $75,000 in IRA savings and index the $75,000 limit to inflation so its value will not erode over time.

If passed, the bill would allow Americans with disabilities to achieve self-sufficiency through work and personal savings for retirement. In particular, the exclusion up to $75,000 in retirement account savings from the SSI asset-test would allow persons with disabilities to fully participate in the benefits of work, without fear that worsening health could cause them to fall out of work without a safety net.

Urgent Action Needed: Contact your Representative and urge him or her to cosponsor H.R. 3696, Personal Savings for Persons with Disabilities.

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Goodwill Fashion Blog and Virtual Fashion Show Continue to Receive National Press

Goodwill of Greater Washington’s Fashion Blog and virtual fashion show were again the subject of local and national news stories with articles in both the Chronicle of Philanthropy and PR Week Magazine and features on WTTG FOX 5 (December 10) and ABC 7 (December 14). Additionally, listen and watch online for a story on Goodwill of Greater Washington on NPR’s “Bryant Park” program. Below is a link to a news story that appeared in the 11PM news on NBC 4 here in Washington, DC on Wednesday, November 21st. Please take a look!

http://video.nbc4.com/player/?id=188308

The goal of the fashion blog is to help consumers better understand the quality of contemporary and vintage merchandise that can be found at Goodwill Retail Stores, generating more money to fund Goodwill’s job training mission. The virtual fashion show (viewed by well over 13,000 to date) was designed to showcase the quality vintage and contemporary apparel available at Goodwill Stores, to drive online and brick & mortar store traffic, while also educating visitors on Goodwill’s mission.

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REMINDER!!! Goodwill of Greater Washington’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Number Has Changed to 33248!

If you participate in the Combined Federal Campaign, please note that CFC numbers for many non-profit agencies are changing this year. Goodwill of Greater Washington’s is one of them. Our new CFC number is 33248. Please remember to support Goodwill through the Combined Federal Campaign. Every dollar you donate helps us provide someone with the training they need to secure employment and achieve independence. Again that CFC number is 33248.

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A VINTAGE DRESS, A SPARKLING CLUTCH, And A FLAWLESS FACE!

Goodwill & Tu Anh Host the Most Unique Holiday Party & Trunk Show in DC!

Yesterday evening dozens of vintage and contemporary fashion conscious shoppers stopped by to browse for unique finds at the Goodwill & Tu-Anh Holiday Party & Trunk Show at Studio Ayanna in NW DC.

Shoppers found great buys on quality and inexpensive vintage and contemporary apparel from Goodwill Retail Stores, while enjoying custom jewelry, complimentary makeovers and free make-up lessons by professional color and style expert, tu-anh (www.tu-anh.com)!

Guests enjoyed delicious munchies and hip music while socializing with other fashionistas in DC; and the popular fashion blogger, the DC Goodwill Fashionista (ranked the 2nd best fashion blogger in America) was also on hand to provide vintage and contemporary fashion tips.

Keep your eyes open for our next Goodwill Travelin’ Trunk Show coming soon to a location near you!

Happy Holidays and Happy Goodwill Shopping!

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Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

As you shop for all of your holiday gifts this month, here are just a few tips to make your shopping experience a safe and pleasant one.

1. Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
2. Dress casually and comfortably.
3. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or expensive clothing.
4. Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
5. Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Do not use your cell phone while carrying bags to the car (you will be distracted from your surroundings).
6. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
7. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
8. Keep cash in your front pocket.
9. Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
10. Do not put shopping bags or purses etc. in car then go into the mall to reload. Never leave any valuables visible.
11. Walk around the entire car and look inside before getting in.
12. Have keys in had when leaving the mall or house.
13. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of the year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongs.
14. Please park in well lit areas and areas that there is others.
15. Let your family know your destination.

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