Goodwill’s collections support job skills programs

Goodwill's mission is not, despite the popular perception, to clothe the poor. It's to aid the unemployed.

"We did an independent survey of 60 local residents, and zero out of 60 truly knew what our mission was," said Rick Carns, marketing director for the nonprofit organization.

Through sales of clothing and other items donated by Las Vegans, Goodwill of Southern Nevada placed 700 unemployed valley residents in jobs last year, and helped another 2,300 hurdle various barriers to employment.

"We teach skill sets and trades that help people get back into the work force," Carns said. "We don't offer handouts. We offer hand-ups."

Through its Career Connections program, Goodwill teaches computer, interview and resume skills.

"And whatever profession they're looking to get into, we'll help set people up with interviews through one of our 140 corporate partners," Carns said.

Most of the clothing dropped off at Goodwill's 17 donation locations is sent to the agency's eight valley retail stores, which generated $13 million in sales last year, 92 percent of which went directly to helping the unemployed. (The clothing that cannot be sold either gets recycled or disposed of.)

And clothing is not the only thing the agency collects. Jewelry, books, housewares, small appliances, tools, sports equipment, computers and televisions also are among the items offered for sale.

"Our goal in 2008 is to educate more people as to what we're about," Carns said.

Goodwill was officially launched in 1910. The Southern Nevada chapter -- which employs 350 of its own full-time workers -- opened in 1975.

"Not only do we affect the unemployment rate," Carns said. "We also help families, friends and children live a better life by giving them independence, self-respect and dignity."

Goodwill of Southern Nevada's services are free and available to anyone. For more information, call 214-2000.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0456.