EC Wisconsin News

Every year, during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations globally observe Goodwill Week to highlight their mission. In North Central Wisconsin, this includes 27 stores and donation centers as well as one outlet store across various locations such as La Crosse, Eau Claire, Green Bay, the Fox Valley, and Manitowoc. This year's observance runs from May 4 to May 10.

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is urging the public to "Get to Know Goodwill" beyond its familiar "Smiling G" logo and secondhand stores. The organization emphasizes its mission of "Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment throughout north central Wisconsin."

Goodwill NCW operates as a nonprofit organization where approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned from retail sales are reinvested into funding its mission. Unlike many nonprofits that rely on private donations or government support, Goodwill NCW primarily funds its operations through revenue generated by its activities.

In 2024, the collective annual income of program participants with disabilities increased by more than $1.6 million due to Goodwill NCW's skill-building programs, employment services, and community assistance initiatives. The organization ranks in the top quartile among over 150 independently governed Goodwill organizations worldwide for impacting lives through its mission.

This work is supported by generous donations of gently used items from the community. During Goodwill Week, further information about their mission will be shared via social media platforms. The public is also encouraged to visit goodwillncw.org for more details on how Goodwill NCW supports communities across Wisconsin.