We’re one of the smallest Goodwill territories in the country, serving just Wayne and Holmes Counties. That means we don’t have big-city donation streams or metro-area volume—but our impact here is real. Every item you donate supports job training, youth programs, digital skills classes, and more. These services change lives in our own backyard. Right now, we’re seeing fewer donations, and the need continues to grow. Your support matters more than ever.
Small but Mighty: Fueled by You
Rooted in Wayne & Holmes Counties
Goodwill Industries of Wayne and Holmes Counties is proud to be a local nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization serving just two counties in rural Northeast Ohio. We are one of the smallest Goodwill territories in the country in terms of geographic size, but what we lack in size, we make up for in impact.
Unlike larger Goodwill stores in big cities, we don’t benefit from the constant stream of donations that come from urban areas or metro regions. Our support comes from you - our neighbors, friends, and community members who believe in second chances.
A Smaller Donation Stream and Bigger Challenges
We operate a network of Goodwill donation centers and thrift stores near you, and we depend entirely on local donations to stock our shelves. But with a smaller population, that means we also have a smaller donation pool.
In recent months, we’ve seen a drop in the number of clothing donations, household items, and furniture donations coming in. That directly impacts our stores and our mission.
When you donate to Goodwill, you’re not just clearing out your closet. You’re helping fund free job training programs, career coaching, digital literacy classes, and other critical services that help people in Wayne and Holmes Counties find work, build skills, and improve their lives.
Yes, We Sometimes Buy Donations But Here’s Why
Most people are surprised to learn that sometimes we have to purchase donated goods from other, larger Goodwill organizations just to keep our local stores stocked. Yes, we actually buy unsold thrift store items from metro-area Goodwills and ship them to our stores.
It’s not our preferred solution but it’s necessary to ensure our shelves have enough inventory to support shoppers and fund our programs. These costs reduce the revenue that would otherwise go directly into community support programs and vocational training services. We’d rather stock our shelves with gently used items from right here in our own community.
How Your Donations Power Local Job Training and Career Services
When you donate to Goodwill, the revenue generated from selling your items doesn’t go into a corporate bank account. It goes directly into Mission Services that change lives right here in Wayne and Holmes Counties.
Our mission is simple: to help individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve independence through the power of work. That mission comes to life in the form of hands-on programs and services like:
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Goodwill Academy: Our in-house training platform that provides virtual and in-person courses to help individuals develop critical workplace skills, build confidence, and earn certifications.
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Job Readiness and Placement: From resume writing to mock interviews to actual job placement support, we help community members prepare for and secure employment.
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Youth and Summer Work Programs: We give teens and young adults a head start by offering mentorship and real-world job experience in a structured, supportive environment.
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Digital Literacy Training: In today’s job market, basic computer skills are essential. We teach participants how to navigate email, apply for jobs online, and use key programs like Microsoft Word and Excel.
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Financial Education: We offer free courses on budgeting, saving, and financial independence so individuals can build stable futures.
All of these services are free to those who participate and they’re all funded through your donations.
Your Stuff = Someone Else’s Second Chance
It might seem like a small act, dropping off a bag of clothes or donating a used coffee table, but to someone working toward a better future, it’s life-changing.
That shirt you no longer wear? It might help fund a certification course for someone starting over. That bookcase you don’t need? It could help a single mom build skills to land her first full-time job. That toy your child has outgrown? It might support a youth program that helps teens develop responsibility and purpose.
When you donate to a Goodwill store, you're not just decluttering—you’re helping people find hope, direction, and the dignity of work.