Throughout 2023, community donations poured into Goodwill Central Coast centers and retail outlets at a record rate, representing more than 25 million pounds of clothing and household items. That record haul ranked GCC No. 6 in donations among 154 Goodwills worldwide, and No. 4 in sales per household.
What does all of this mean beyond community pride? It means that those donations led to our Mission Services helping 17,172 people, which is a rise of 62 percent.
Those statistics reveal that our impact in the community begins and ends with the generosity of local residents like you!
Donations lead to another benefit — keeping more than 17,000 pounds of unwanted items out of landfills. Your donations help empower individuals to find meaningful employment while helping preserve and protect the Central Coast landscape.
It’s easy to donate
With school back in session and autumn in full swing, GCC encourages all residents in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties to begin the purge process. It’s fast, easy and convenient. GCC is especially interested in donated clothing, shoes, housewares, small electrical items, and small electronics, with donation centers listed here.
What’s more, all monetary donations and donations of clothing and household goods that are in “good” condition or better are entitled to a tax deduction, according to Federal law. The Internal Revenue Service requires that all charitable donations be itemized and valued, and GCC provides an estimated value list here.
In addition, Goodwill Central Coast provides the following services:
- Free home pickups are available for large amounts of items (some restrictions apply). Those interested should send their address, telephone number and pictures of the items they would like picked up to donorservicessc@ccgoodwill.org.
- Free weekly or monthly pickup service from Businesses/schools/organizations (please contact donor services at 800-894-8440)
- Donation drives which can net an organization, school, club or nonprofit thousands of dollars are available this fall and the spring of next year in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties
- For donating high value items please call donor services at 800-894-8440 and someone will be happy to assist.
What to donate
Deciding what to donate can sometimes be challenging, but Goodwill Central Coast accepts a wide variety of items, including clothing and accessories, household items, furniture, functional electronics, books, media, toys, games and collectibles in good or new condition. Each and every donation matters for the following reasons:
- Donations help fund GCC’s job training and employment programs that equip individuals with the skills and confidence they need to secure meaningful employment — fostering independence and self-sufficiency.
- By donating items instead of discarding them, you are helping to reduce waste and promote recycling. This sustainable practice conserves natural resources and minimizes the environmental footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.
- Donated items sold in GCC’s stores help support a wide range of community programs, including educational initiatives, financial literacy workshops, and support services for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
- Donations help create and sustain hundreds of jobs within GCC, boosting the local economy.
What about electronic devices?
Residents may be unaware that Goodwill will accept computers, as well, another boon to the environment. Obsolete or unusable computers can contain toxic material such as arsenic, lead and cadmium that could leak, damaging plant and animal life and potentially impacting the local food and water supply. GCC will responsibly recycle electronics that cannot be resold through its stores.
When electronics arrive at one of GCC’s donation locations, residents will be asked to fill out a paper donation form required so that Goodwill can comply with state reporting requirements.
When GCC receives donations, we resell them at affordable prices in our network of retail stores. Anything that isn’t sold in our retail stores is recycled responsibly with help from local recycling partners. By donating to Goodwill, you will feel great knowing that you’re doing your part to reduce waste and protect our planet.
The bottom line
Donating to Goodwill Central Coast is a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact on the community and the environment. Your contributions support essential programs, create jobs, and promote sustainability. For more on GCC and its mission, visit www.ccgoodwill.org.
