Tag Archives: Goodwill Central Coast

There’s a Gift inside Every Gift Purchased at Goodwill Central Coast — your Holiday Shopping Headquarters

What if you could buy someone a holiday gift that would keep on giving long after the wrapping paper is recycled?

Salinas, CA, November 06, 2019 – That’s the reality when shoppers comb the aisles or the online store at Goodwill. Each purchase enables the community-based nonprofit to better fund its job-training and employment placement services — so you’re actually giving twice.

Make Goodwill Central Coast your holiday headquarters — from setting your Thanksgiving table to finding that perfect gift on Black Friday and beyond.

Thanksgiving
Goodwill Central Coast stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day, allowing employees time with their families. But gearing up for Turkey Day has never been easier thanks to the wide range of items Goodwill sells at lower-than-retail prices.

Find deals on platters, wine glasses, table runners, silverware and more. Or create that perfect DIY tablescape with marked-down items such as candles, ornate pumpkins and decorative linens.

Black Friday
The busiest shopping day of the year begins at 7 a.m. at all Goodwill Central Coast stores. Find 25 percent off all items marked with a colored tag, along with Door Buster specials on new goods (including cookware).

Arrive early and stay late for two daily drawings in each store, where you could walk away with special merchandise.

Other special shopping days
There’s always a good excuse to shop at Goodwill during the Season of Giving. Join us for Small Business Saturday (Nov. 30), Sorting Sunday (Dec. 1) or Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3). Except for Thanksgiving, our stores are open throughout the holiday season.

Stocking Stuffer Campaign
Throughout December, all Goodwill Central Coast stores will put an emphasis on stocking stuffers priced in four categories (under $20, under $10, under $5, and under $2).

The list of stocking stuffers is as long as your imagination, but popular items include jewelry, games, earbuds, phone chargers, candy, ornaments, decorative mugs and books.

Donations
Remember, if you’re not in the shopping frame of mind, you can donate new and gently used items to Goodwill — all treasures for someone else to find and turn into jobs. From home pick-ups to tax write-offs, Goodwill makes donating as easy as possible. Find out more at www.ccgoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Shopping at Goodwill Central Coast Stores Provides Thrifty, Stress-free Options for Thanksgiving decor

We all know the purpose behind Thanksgiving is to spend time with loved ones — not to stress over holiday entertaining and tablescapes.

Salinas, CA, October 28, 2019 – Goodwill Central Coast would like to remind the community how easy it is to turn donated, marked-down items into the perfect party with eye-popping, fall-themed decor. Shopping at Goodwill can alleviate both stress and the annual strain felt on pocketbooks.

Savvy Goodwill shoppers have always found it exciting to see what’s new, and what’s possible to make out of items donated by others. It’s the epitome of responsible upcycling since money through the sale of donated goods helps support and grow Goodwill’s critical community-based programs and services. The bottom line? The environmental and social impacts cannot be denied.

Turn baskets into cornucopia-style table centerpieces, use natural candles to add warmth, elevate artificial flowers with a quick spray-painting, or stock up on critical kitchen tools and accessories.

The possibilities are endless when shopping at Goodwill Central Coast stores. And all the bits and pieces shoppers buy help strengthen their own communities.

Donations

Remember, if you’re not in the shopping frame of mind, you can donate new and gently used items to Goodwill — all treasures for someone else to find and turn into jobs. From home pick-ups to tax write-offs, Goodwill makes donating as easy as possible. Find out more at www.ccgoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Goodwill Central Coast Stores to Match Donations during Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Campaign

What if the cookie was not only delicious but part of a sweet fundraising campaign that aims to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer?

Salinas, CA, October 08, 2019 – How much would you pay for a cookie? What if the cookie was not only delicious but part of a sweet fundraising campaign that aims to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer?

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, all Goodwill Central Coast stores will be offering delicious treats from Pacific Cookie Company — with all proceeds supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. You can choose your donation amount for a cookie, and Goodwill will match it!

Tragically, cancer is the No. 1 cause of death in children by disease in the United States. There are 40,000 U.S. children actively battling cancer right now. With less than 4 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget going to all childhood cancers combined, donations are critical in making a difference for these kids.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation online, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/Fundraiser/goodwillcentralcoast

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/

Goodwill Central Coast inspires Halloween costume seekers with ‘Addams Family’ theme

Goodwill Central Coast, for decades a local treasure trove for Halloween costume inspiration, has announced a special finger-snapping theme for the year’s spookiest day.

Salinas, CA, September 09, 2019 – Goodwill Central Coast, for decades a local treasure trove for Halloween costume inspiration, has announced a special finger-snapping theme for the year’s spookiest day.

Goodwill brings back the silly vibe of “The Addams Family,” the beloved American horror and black comedy sitcom from the 1960s. Featuring a theme song punctuated by finger snaps, “The Addams Family” brought to life a hilarious cast of misfits, including husband-and-wife Gomez and Morticia, their butler Lurch and even a disembodied hand called Thing.

Each year finding the right costume at a price that is not downright scary can prove to be a daunting task. Not at Goodwill Central Coast, with 16 outlets to help provide DIY inspiration — from Uncle Fester to Cousin Itt.

And don’t forget your pets. Find inspiration in the curious lineup of “Addams Family” household animals, including Kitty Kat the lion, Aristotle the octopus, Zelda the vulture, Isolde the piranha, and Lucifer the lizard.

Goodwill invites everyone to support their community by shopping at a Goodwill store, or by simply donating gently-used clothing and household items. Each donation helps Goodwill’s cause to help empower people to work and setting them on a path to financial independence. Donations also help preserve the Central Coast landscape by diverting millions of pounds from landfills.

From home pick-ups to potential tax write offs, Goodwill makes donating as easy as possible. Find out more at www.ccgoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs nearly 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 10,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive working and learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Shopping at Goodwill Central Coast stores is a win-win for your Pocketbook and the Planet

The sale of secondhand goods — often called recommerce — is the fastest growing retail sector in the country.

Salinas, CA, August 28, 2019 – The sale of secondhand goods — often called recommerce — is the fastest growing retail sector in the country. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, GlobalData PLC estimates that secondhand sales will double to $51 billion by 2023, up from $24 billion last year.

The well-stocked stores of Goodwill Central Coast are a big part of this trend, featuring the same name brands offered at department stores — at a fraction of the price.

Shoppers ages 18 to 37 (a large majority of them women) are driving this shift, inspired by everyday low prices, the high quality of items and the eco-friendly benefits of shopping secondhand.

Studies show that consumers, on average, buy 60 percent more clothing than they did 15 years ago, but keep the items only half as long. This has resulted in more waste, and an increase in greenhouse gases due to the energy and resources it takes to produce all that clothing.

Goodwill Central Coast shoppers can enjoy guilt-free retail therapy, knowing every purchase supports job training programs and promotes reuse, keeping useful items out of our landfills and reducing the need for scarce natural resources.

Stores throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties offer unique finds at unbeatable prices — from that perfect vintage jacket to a pair of name-brand shoes. You never know what treasure you might find.

Looking for the very best deals? Check out our daily 50 percent off color tag sales to find huge savings on quality items. Shop in your neighborhood, or online, as the Goodwill virtual store can lead you to that perfect item without leaving your home.

About Goodwill

Goodwill Central Coast builds lives, families and communities by helping people with employment needs become successful, supported by innovative enterprises that preserve the Earth’s resources.

Each year Goodwill assists more than 10,150 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. It provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work. For more information visit www.ccgoodwill.org.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Goodwill Central Coast Launches ‘Where Is Koko?’ Campaign; Spot Koko in a Goodwill Store, Win a Prize

Goodwill Central Coast Launches ‘Where Is Koko?’ Campaign; Spot Koko in a Goodwill Store, Win a Prize

Goodwill Goes to The Dogs This Halloween with Who Wore it Best Dog Costume Contest Launching Oct. 14, 2019

Salinas, CA, August 13, 2019 — Goodwill Central Coast goes to the dogs this fall with its “Where is Koko?” campaign and during Halloween, with its Who Wore it Best Dog Costume Contest.

Salinas rescue dog Koko is Goodwill Central Coast’s pet ambassador and she will pop up from time to time at any one of the 15 Goodwill stores on the Central Coast. Spot Koko (or at least a lifesize cutout of her!), notify the manager and the spotter wins a $5 PAWESOME buck to use at Goodwill. Koko will also pop up on Goodwill Central Coast social media. The first person to name the location of the Goodwill store she is at receives a $5 PAWESOME buck to shop. Be sure to follow Goodwill Central Coast on Facebook and Instagram.

The “Where is Koko?” campaign launches Tuesday, Aug. 20, and runs through Dec. 31, 2019.

Goodwill loves Halloween and with that in mind is hosting a Who Wore It Best Dog Costume Contest from Oct. 14 – Nov. 2. Enter your DIY costume by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 2, on our social media sites for a chance at awesome grand prizes, as well as two weeks of daily giveaways on Goodwill’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Vote on what dog you think wore their costume best on social media, and you could help them win Goodwill bucks just for voting and the winner of the contest will receive a $100 gift certificate to Goodwill and a one-night stay in a dog-friendly room at the Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea (holidays do not apply, subject to availability) and a $100 gift certificate to Tarpy’s Roadhouse to enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch or dinner on their dog-friendly patio. Use the hashtag #GoodwillHLWN.

Goodwill encourages people to upcycle from Goodwill and use the items found at Goodwill to create Halloween costumes both for themselves and their four-legged companions.

Upcycle For Your Four-Legged Friends!
Since pets are members of the family, too, it only makes sense that we want to pour as much effort into their needs as we do into our own. That means that we’re often tempted to customize their accessories to suit their furry little personalities. So, here are some drool-worthy doggy decor and dressings made from Goodwill finds!

Do you have some old sweaters that are sitting in your wardrobe for a long time, either because they are out of fashion or don’t fit anymore? If they are still in good conditions, why not upcycle them into something useful?

Big ugly dog beds can be such an eyesore, but owners often cringe to think that their darlings have to curl up on the hard floor. What’s a person to do? Well, make a place for Rover to sleep that looks as cute as it does cozy.

For inspiration, check out this round-up put together by blogger Landeelu: https://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/creative-diy-dog-beds/.

Also, look for colorful Goodwill sweaters for this project at www.goodwillvalleys.com/shop/.

There are plenty of options for dog collars out there, but they all mostly follow the same bland design — nylon webbing with a plastic buckle. If the color and pattern variation of that sort of collar have never been stylish enough for your best friend, why not dress up their dog tags with a fancy DIY collar?

Make your mutt his or her own quirky collar by shopping the kids’ section of Goodwill in search of a button-down shirt in a pattern you like. Snip out the collar of the shirt, attach tags, and button it around your pup’s neck!

Some ideas for your dog collar: https://cheerfultimesblog.com/2015/03/15/crafts-diy-dog-dress-shirt-collar/?platform=hootsuite

Doggy decor is a fun way to capture our love of our best friends within the context of our homes. As you browse Goodwill’s shelves on your next visit, keep a look out for figurines of your favorite breed. And don’t let a terrible paint job stop you! Thrifted finds can be quickly covered up with a fresh color for customized decor.

While you shop for project supplies, don’t forget that your support helps Goodwill organizations change lives by training unemployed or underemployed people for careers in fields such as automotive services, construction, health care, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality and retail as well as in other high-demand industries. So, have fun with your dog-themed DIYs as you and your pup benefit your local community.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Goodwill Central Coast
1566 Moffet Street
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 423-8611

Home

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455

Home

Goodwill Central Coast, Koko, Campaign, Goodwill Store, Prize, Halloween

Goodwill Central Coast Launches Donation Drives Across Three Counties on the Central Coast

Residents of the Central Coast can make a difference in their communities, empower people to work and preserve the landscape by diverting millions of pounds from landfills by donating to Goodwill Central Coast today.

Salinas, CA, June 03, 2019 — Residents of the Central Coast can make a difference in their communities, empower people to work and preserve the landscape by diverting millions of pounds from landfills by donating to Goodwill Central Coast today.

Goodwill Central Coast is encouraging residents in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties to donate to their local Goodwill store or donation station. From home pick-ups to tax write- offs, Goodwill makes giving to Goodwill as easy as possible.

It’s easy to declutter when you know Goodwill will be there to accept your donations and repurpose those items that don’t “spark joy” in you, but may do so for someone else.

Retail sales from donated items allows Goodwill to continue empowering thousands of people through employment every year. Goodwill gratefully accepts everything from clothing and accessories to small household appliances and furniture, electronics, books, fine china, art and other collectibles in good or new condition.

For more information, contact Goodwill at 1-800-894-8440 or donorservicessc@ccgoodwill.org, ccgoodwill.com or facebook.com/goodwillcentralcoast.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Goodwill Central Coast

1566 Moffet Street

Salinas, CA 93905

(831) 423-8611

https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Goodwill Central Coast completes renovation of Seaside store, announces grand reopening March 22

As part of its strategic plan toward modernizing retail stores and other facilities, Goodwill Central Coast has announced a March 22 grand reopening of its Seaside store.

Seaside, CA, February 22, 2019 — As part of its strategic plan toward modernizing retail stores and other facilities, Goodwill Central Coast has announced a March 22 grand reopening of its Seaside store.

Festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting celebration featuring the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Seaside/Sand City Chamber of Commerce and city officials.

Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby will be the first to shop in the renovated Goodwill store and donation center at 729 Broadway Ave. At 11 a.m., following all the festivities, shoppers will an assortment of interesting items, and huge discounts on merchandise some merchandise . Those entered into a drawing have a chance to win a $200 Goodwill certificate.

On Day 2 (March 23) of the grand opening, Goodwill partners with Everyone’s Harvest Farmers Market. The first 200 shoppers will receive a Goodwill tote bag and specials throughout the day, both at the nearby farmers market and the Seaside Goodwill store.

“We’re really happy with the renovation of our store in Seaside,” said Ed Durkee, president/CEO of Goodwill Central Coast. “The investment has created a much better environment for both our shopper and our employees. And we’re delighted to match the investment that community has made in the Broadway (Avenue) corridor. The whole street looks just great. Goodwill is proud to be part of a community with a vision of progress.”

As outlined in a strategic direction approved in 2016 by Goodwill Central Coast’s board of directors, the organization invested roughly $25 million toward enhancing efficiency and worker safety, renovating retail stores and relocating the organization’s headquarters and central donation processing facility to Salinas.

The plan is designed to sustain the organization’s social enterprise while building the capacity for growth. A key objective is to ensure all facilities are clean, modern, free of barriers and characterized by efficiency and respect for human dignity.

Seaside Goodwill

Donation Center and Store

729 Broadway Ave., Seaside CA

(831) 394-1212

Home

Store hours:

9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday

10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Goodwill Central Coast Board Members, Staff Reflect On Legacy Of Service And Opportunity With Reopening of Renovated Capitola Store on Aug. 22

With the grand reopening of the Capitola Goodwill store on Aug. 22 fast approaching, board members and staff instrumental in implementing Goodwill’s strategy in achieving its goals reflect on the mission of the organization.

Capitola, CA, August 14, 2018 — With the grand reopening of the Capitola Goodwill store on Aug. 22 fast approaching, board members and staff instrumental in implementing Goodwill’s strategy in achieving its goals reflect on the mission of the organization.

Walt Henning and Charles Leigh-Wood are outgoing board members who played key roles in the development of Goodwill’s strategy, while staff members Jessica Hogue and Taylor Strang are production supervisor and assistant manager, respectively, at the Capitola store.

Henning, who is completing his service on the Board at the end of the year, says that the renovations of the Capitola and downtown Santa Cruz stores means that all four stores in Santa Cruz County have been renovated in the last two years. “Our employees have never had better, safer working conditions than they do right now,” said Henning.

Leigh-Wood says that even though Goodwill moved their headquarters to Salinas a year ago, they remain committed to Santa Cruz County and have expanded their workforce development partnership with the County of Santa Cruz. In the last year, Goodwill has provided work experience training hundreds of individuals referred by the county.

Both Henning and Leigh-Wood emphasize that Goodwill Central Coast is a community-based nonprofit organization with a charitable mission and both take pride in the organization’s good work.

Hogue started with Goodwill six years ago as a temporary employee helping with Halloween and now manages 12 employees in a production space that has tripled due to the renovations. “I’m now a leader within Goodwill and have a career rather than just a job.”

“I started in 2014 as a participant in Goodwill’s work experience program. Now I’m the assistant manager for our biggest store,” says Taylor, who says that she has benefitted from Goodwill expansion. “The expansion of our Capitola store has made it possible to accept, process and sell more donations which opens up more jobs for our local community. Not only has it created a better work environment for employees but a more organized shopping experience for our customers.”

The store at 1550 41st Avenue in Capitola will host city officials, Goodwill board members and staff for a grand reopening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22, and will open to the public at 9 a.m.

The store has expanded into an adjacent space, growing from 11,500 square feet to 17,500 square feet, expanding and improving its donation processing area and retail sales floor. The expansion also allows Goodwill to add six more full-time employees to its current 24 employees.

“We still have a very strong commitment to Santa Cruz County,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO, referring to the recent move of Goodwill Central Coast headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas. “Once completed, we will have remodeled, moved or renovated all four retail stores in Santa Cruz County in less than 24 months. This is all part of our strategy to serve the community by turning their donations into the best jobs possible.”

Goodwill’s Santa Cruz store at 204 Union St. is also getting a new look and is scheduled for completion about the same time as the Capitola store.

Andy Stone, director of the Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Board, says that Goodwill is a good partner of the County. “The County likes working with Goodwill because of the number of high quality worksites that they have in every part of the County.” He said that Strang, the assistant manager of the Capitola store, is a great example of how county residents can use County services to get back into the labor market.

Note to media: Outgoing Goodwill board members Walt Henning and Charles Leigh-Wood and store staff members Jessica Hogue and Taylor Strang are available for interviews. Contact Marci Bracco at (831) 747-7455 to set up interviews with them.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Capitola Goodwill

Donation Center and Store

1550 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA

(831) 462-1300

Home

Store hours:

9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday

10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Goodwill Central Coast Moves from Santa Cruz to Expanded New Headquarters in Salinas to Better Fulfill its Mission to Communities it Serves

Goodwill Central Coast has completed a more than a year long process of planning, renovating, and moving their headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas.

Salinas, CA, July 31, 2017 — Goodwill Central Coast has completed a more than a year long process of planning, renovating, and moving their headquarters from Santa Cruz to Salinas. The move will increase its operating space, improve efficiency and better fulfill its mission to help people find employment.

Since Goodwill Central Coast covers Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, moving to Salinas centralizes its headquarters and with a bigger, more modern facility, will boost its efforts to train people in new careers and find them employment.

“It was a big decision on our part,” said Ed Durkee, Goodwill Central Coast President and CEO. “But this new facility was needed to meet the demands of our environmentally conscious community. The building is more modern, safer, more efficient, more centralized, bigger and can take more donations.”

The new facility, located at 1566 Moffett St. in Salinas, is more than double the size of the Santa Cruz location, and will house administrative offices, e-commerce, a salvage center, a donation center, a processing area and an outlet store.

The new headquarters will encompass 140 jobs. All employees who worked at the Santa Cruz headquarters have been offered jobs in Salinas or at other sites in Santa Cruz County. The relocation will also provide a chance to increase Goodwill’s employee base in a more centralized location and to better help the local community.

A grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony with Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held at the new headquarters from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on September 20th. The Mayor of Salinas will be on hand to cut the ribbon.

Goodwill Central Coast, which covers Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, is one of the region’s largest social enterprise and operates three career centers, five donation processing centers, 25 attended donation stations, 16 stores, and a vocational school. It also employs about 600 in three counties.

For many people, the barriers to employment are too high to overcome alone. Barriers like homelessness, military service, single parenting, incarceration, addiction, and job displacement can define a person’s identity, even when they have so much more to offer.

“Goodwill’s goal is to ensure all of their community members know their worth and gain the skills and confidence to land a job that could turn their life around.” Anne Guthrie, VP of Workforce Services.

Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers to get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Some of the ways Goodwill helps people find employment include programs on culinary arts, catering services, free tax preparation and subsidized job placement.

Success stories

Jeremy is one of those employment success stories. Jeremy had problems getting a job because of mental health issues and a criminal background. After attending and graduating from the Culinary Training Academy, with assistance from Goodwill, he is now a prep cook at Jeninni’s Kitchen + Bar in Pacific Grove and is working his way up to sauté cook.

Gloria Organista came to Goodwill’s Career Centers after an unsuccessful job search. She enrolled in our workforce development workshops to brush up on her business and computer skills and after completion enrolled on Goodwill’s Organizational Work Program, OWP. She was placed in the Goodwill Career Center and received on-the-job training in administrative duties and was quickly hired as a HR Assistant. She continued her HR training and is now Goodwill’s HR Supervisor.

Another success story is Eduardo, a painter who lost his job during the rainy season due to lack of work. Eduardo went through Goodwill’s OWP program in Monterey, trained in the store and worked with a trainer and employment specialist to find the right job for him. With the help of Goodwill staff, he was able to get a job with CSU Monterey Bay’s maintenance department as a full-time painter. He now has a stable job with benefits, which allows his wife to stay at home and take care of their two young children.

A new way to shop

The Bargain Barn outlet center, one of two (the other is in San Luis Obispo), will also move to the Salinas location after more than four decades in Santa Cruz. Unlike Goodwill stores, outlet centers exist to move merchandise quickly, selling everything (except furniture) by the pound. The Salinas outlet center will sell its merchandise for $1.79 a pound.

“It has been very popular in Santa Cruz,” said Jim Burke VP of Retail and Operations. “You can potentially get a new outfit for $1.79, including shoes and accessories. The upcycling people like it too because they can get a dresser for $3 to $5. And it’s good for the environment, otherwise it ends up in a landfill.”

Merchandise stays in stores for three weeks, then goes to the outlet centers. It’s put out on the floor each morning, then merchandise is rotated throughout the day, a couple times each hour. And since items rotate constantly, each rotation brings a new treasure trove for bargain shoppers. “Shoppers are always introduced to new merchandise this way,” says Burke.

If still there by the end of the day, merchandise goes to a salvage operator, who will repurpose it for other uses. For example, clothing and other fabrics can be repurposed for insulation.

Furniture and other bulky items will still have price tags, but will also be clearance-priced in order for it to sell quickly.

About Goodwill Central Coast

The Goodwill Central Coast chapter, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo.

Goodwill Central Coast employs over 600 people in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo County, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators.

Goodwill believes that everyone deserves the chance to join their team, which is why Goodwill Central Coast is an equal opportunity employer and an advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To deliver their services, Goodwill relies on partnerships with federal and state workforce development agencies, as well as strong relationships with the local businesses that provide employment opportunities.

Goodwill Central Coast

566 Moffett St., Salinas

(831) 423-8611

http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.ccgoodwill.org