News Releases

Nashville, Tennessee August 21, 2008 – Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee sees more people turning to Goodwill looking for a bargain in retail stores and for help finding a job.  For the first six months of 2008, Goodwill store sales were up 12 percent locally and 6 percent nationally compared to the same timeframe as last year.  And people benefiting from Goodwill job training programs in middle and west Tennessee has exceeded 2007’s growth rate by 50 percent so far this year.

“Goodwill is helping people most impacted by economic challenges – people with disabilities, low-wage workers, and people who lack education and work experience,” says David Lifsey, President and CEO. “Our nation can and should do more to help people find and keep good jobs and move up the career ladder.” 

Every 53 seconds of every business day, Goodwill places someone into a good job.  The organization does that by selling donations of clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and using the revenue to fund job training programs that benefit hundreds of thousands of people each year.  

Goodwill is helping people like Paige Walters in Franklin, Tenn., who was in a car accident.  She suffered a brain injury and went through a year of therapy to learn to walk and talk again.  Goodwill helped Paige find a job – a position with Target. 

This summer Paige moved to a cashier position and was voted as employee of the month, thanks to Goodwill’s job placement help. 

“We are reminded this Labor Day that a good paying job and workplace success not only opens doors and other opportunity in life, but also drive our nation’s economy,” says Lifsey.  “When you donate to Goodwill or shop in Goodwill stores, you are investing in the American dollar, so that people like Paige can earn a paycheck, support their families and contribute to the economic health of our country.”

About Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
For over 50 years, Goodwill has provided job training and job placement free of charge to people with disabilities or other barriers to employment through the sale of donated items.  In 2007, Goodwill served 7,480 people and placed 2,319 in jobs in the community.  For more information on Goodwill’s Career Solutions, retail stores, and donation centers, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 1-800-545-9231.