Throughout 2023, community donations poured into Goodwill Central Coast centers and retail outlets at a record rate, representing over 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? Those donations led to our Mission Services helping 17,172 people, a 62 percent increase.
Those statistics reveal that our impact in the community begins and ends with the generosity of 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.
Moreover, according to Federal law, all monetary donations and donations of clothing and household goods that are in “good” condition or better are entitled to a tax deduction. 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 want to be picked up to donorservicessc@ccgoodwill.org.
- Free weekly or monthly pickup service from Businesses/schools/organizations (don’t hesitate to get in touch with donor services at 800-894-8440)
- Donation drives that 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,y and San Luis Obispo counties.
- To donate high-value items, please call donor services at 800-894-8440; someone will gladly assist.
What to donate
Deciding what to donate can sometimes be challenging. Still, Goodwill Central Coast accepts various items, including clothing and accessories, household items, furniture, functional electronics, books, media, toys, games, and collectibles in good or new condition. Every donation matters for the following reasons:
- Donations help fund GCC’s job training and employment programs, which equip individuals with the skills and confidence they need to secure meaningful employment and foster 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 the GCC, boosting the local economy.
What about electronic devices?
Residents may be unaware that Goodwill will accept computers, another environmental boon. Obsolete or unusable computers can contain toxic materials 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.
Residents must complete a paper donation form when electronics arrive at one of GCC’s donation locations. This ensures Goodwill complies with state reporting requirements.
When GCC receives donations, we resell them at affordable prices in our network of retail stores. Anything not sold in our retail stores is recycled responsibly with help from local recycling partners. By donating to Goodwill, you will feel great knowing 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 impact the community and the environment positively. Your contributions support essential programs, create jobs, and promote sustainability. For more on GCC and its mission, visit www.ccgoodwill.org.
