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Goodwill Truly Good Research Paper

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Is Goodwill Truly Good? Goodwill originated in 1902 in Boston by a Methodist minister named Rev. Edgar J. Helms. He went to higher end cities and collected used goods. Then, he would take these goods and repair them so he could resell or give these items to the less fortunate. He also trained poor individuals to repair and offered them jobs. This was the start of his motto, “a hand up, not a hand down.” Dr. Helms stated that Goodwill is an “industrial program as well as a social service enterprise…a provider of employment, training and rehabilitation for people of limited employability, and a source of temporary assistance for individuals whose resources were depleted.” Goodwill has nearly 2,500 retail stores that offered job training and …show more content…

“Going green” is the spread of knowledge and practicing environmentally and ecologically friendly habits. It is providing tips and ways to be involved in sustainable living. This concept uses the terms reduce, reuse, and recycle. Goodwill exploits these skills. Their business revolves around collecting unwanted things and selling it to be used again. Most people shop there not knowing that they are doing their part and recycling. Job training comes into play because they teach individuals in their community skills that also enhance the recycling process. They teach them how to analyze objects, repair them, and determine decent prices. This is an investment for not only their industry but in the economic health of their community. Goodwill teamed up with Dell to formulate the Reconnect program. Dell describes the program as a program that puts "technology and jobs back into the hands of those who need them most” (Johnson). The program started in 2004 and opened 250 jobs. Reconnect allows people to donate old computers, this donation helps allow “technology, education, training and career services” to people who need extra help” (Johnson). This program abstracted more that 96 million pounds of potential waste. Both Dell and Goodwill meet high standards for workplace and environmental …show more content…

They have employed themselves to implement the concepts of reducing, reusing, and recycling ("Environmental Initiatives - Goodwill Industries of The Valleys"). Thrifting has allowed Goodwill to make their mark in “going green.” The have helped to reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Landfills come with many harmful effects to the environment. Goodwill acts outside of its industry alone. They teamed up with Dell and dabbled in the electronic aspect of recycling in a Reconnect program. Also, they powered their own donation movement. Goodwill has gone above and beyond; they have really done their part in making the environment a healthier place. They are a very sustainable

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