On July 2, 1776, our fledgling country voted to form a new government independent of England. So why don’t we call our annual celebration the Second of July? Well, while the vote took place on July 2, it was two days later that John Hancock joined the other founding fathers by putting his famous signature on the Declaration of Independence.
While July 4 did not become a federal holiday until 1941, Goodwill has been part of the country’s Fourth of July celebrations for nearly 120 years. Today our modern celebrations usually involve a backyard barbecue with friends and family, the flying of flags, community fireworks, and a well-deserved day off from work. And for Goodwill CC employees? Our stores will close on July 4 so they can enjoy the holiday with their families, as it should be.
Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister who collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold or given to the people who repaired them.
Goodwill became a provider of employment, training, and rehabilitation for people of limited employability. It seems fitting, then, that most hard-working Americans take off work and spend the Fourth of July with friends and family.
If you’re planning an Independence Day celebration (big or small), Goodwill Central Coast is the perfect place to start. Remember, though, our stores will be closed on the Fourth of July to allow employees to celebrate with their families.
Patriotic attire
Be your own firework this fourth by decking yourself out head-to-toe in red, white, and blue. Matching your outfit to the color scheme is a simple, but effective way to create a cohesive look. Goodwill has Fourth of July-themed attire for a fraction of the price of any superstore. Or, browse the racks for clothing that matches the theme, but can also be worn year-round. Clothing at our stores is often sorted by color, making the red, white and blue look easy to find.
Be cool in the sun
When you hear of Goodwill, you may not immediately think of sunglasses. But our GCC stores have sunglasses of all styles, colors, and sizes. Not only can you save money on a pair, but it will also allow you to stock up on backup pairs, because who hasn’t sat down on their sunglasses?
Don’t forget about flip-flops — a must-have for any Fourth of July celebration. Our shoe aisles are stocked with comfortable and fashionable sandal options, so get ready to show off those toes.
In a typical year, Americans spend $2.6 billion on flip-flops, probably the oldest form of footwear — dating back to ancient Egypt (4000 B.C.). Today, the flexible footwear represents a classic and comfortable option you can wear all summer long.
While it may be a fashion faux pas to wear socks with sandals, Goodwill CC offers a huge selection of new socks in major brands. And to really keep your feet covered in all situations, we also offer a variety of water shoes.
It’s all about the decor
When it comes to decor for the Fourth, the front porch of your home is the perfect place to start because it sets the tone. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Get your American flag up and flying high. You may be able to find a flag, or the materials to hang on, in our aisles.
- Use a red, white, and blue cloth to add a sash to the top of your door. What a fun way to create a patriotic theme that anyone can recognize from the street.
- Place a small table on your front porch and surround it with a couple of rocking chairs. Add a festive colored décor item to the table and perhaps a nice welcome mat that ties into your theme.
- Remember to choose the right items for your serving dishes. Did you know you may be able to find some fun snack plates and serving dishes at Goodwill that offer the patriotic theme? This is an easy way to pull off one of the best looks possible.
- Provide the right color paper plates and cups. You can find lots of red and blue options available. You can even find glass pitchers that have a summertime or patriotic theme to them. It is these small details that will help to make this a memorable experience for everyone.
You can find a lot of the materials you need to complete any of these experiences right at Goodwill. The sooner you come in to find out what we have to offer, the better. You may love the fun you have here shopping for new and fun items, too.
Do you know the best part about these patriotic purchases? More than 92 cents of every dollar spent supports Goodwill’s community programs, working to help people with obstacles find and keep jobs. Now that’s an impactful way to celebrate Independence Day!
While you will find all sorts of treasures for your Fourth of July party, think of Goodwill as your year-round independence inspiration. You may be a fan of thrift shopping because it’s less expensive and better for the environment, but did you also know that when you shop at or donate to Goodwill, you are helping to fund important employment programs? These programs promote independence and dignity for people within your own community who need support to provide for themselves and their families and that’s only possible with your help. What better way to honor our nation’s birthday than to assist our neighbors in their efforts toward achieving the American Dream.
