EC Wisconsin News

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is observing National Thrift Shop Day on August 17 by extending the celebration throughout the entire month. The organization invites customers to visit its stores, seek unique secondhand items, and support local job programs through their purchases.

Emily Stadtmueller, Director of Retail Operations at Goodwill NCW, said, "It's a day for our donors and shoppers to celebrate the value of donating and up-cycling fashion, while also making a greater impact on our community by helping individuals secure meaningful employment through job skills training." She added that last year, Goodwill NCW's employment programs increased the collective annual income of individuals served by more than $4.5 million.

According to data shared by Goodwill NCW, 81% of job seekers who found employment through their programs came from disadvantaged backgrounds. This group includes people with refugee status, those without housing, justice-involved individuals, and people with disabilities. The organization also reported that veterans participating in their programs saw an increase in median hourly wage by $10.50 as they transitioned into non-military jobs.

Additionally, program participants with disabilities collectively increased their annual income by more than $1.6 million.

The environmental impact of shopping at Goodwill NCW is significant as well. Each year, the organization diverts an average of 35 million pounds of items from landfills thanks to donations and purchases.

To mark "Thrift Month," all 24 Goodwill NCW locations are offering passport booklets that allow customers to collect stickers at each store they visit. These stickers can be redeemed for rewards as part of the ongoing celebration. Store locations can be found on the Goodwill NCW Locations page, and further details about Thrift Month activities are available on the event’s information page.