A group of my fellow NAPO-New England (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) members and I went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Boston. We learned about its’ mission to help individuals, with barriers to self-sufficiency, to achieve independence and dignity through work. We learned about its origin, having been established by a Boston minister in 1895 but no longer has religious affiliations. We learned about its succes as a community-based nonprofit. For example, in 2022, for every dollar spent, $.89 went to programs that helped transfer lives. We also witnessed first-hand how they effectively process their 680,000 individual donations. Needless to say the tour was very informative and educational. It left me with a greater understanding of what happens to donated goods, and an appreciation for all the excellent work this nonprofit does.

Donation Tips:

• Goodwill accepts gently-used goods in fair condition. Goods and clothing need to be washed and clean, void of pet hair and smoke. Goodwill does not clean or launder anything.
• Clothes can have slight rips, small stains, or missing buttons as long as it’s clean. Goodwill inspectors sort through the donations. It takes them 3 seconds to evaluate each piece. The damaged items get sold in bulk to textile recycle companies.
• Bag clothing donations rather than box them.
• Take shoes out of their original boxes unless they are brand new. Pair the shoes together in a bag.
• They only accept new-in-package underwear and toys.
• Gently used bras and socks are acceptable.

For more details and donation guidelines visit their website.