This Valentine’s Day, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is spreading the love with a special Bridal Dress Donation Drive, and you could win a sweet treat just for participating.
From Thursday, February 12 – Sunday, February 15, donate your bridal gown at one of our participating Goodwill locations for a chance to win our Valentine’s giveaway: a $200 gift card to Steak 48, perfect for celebrating love with a partner, best friend, family member, or even a much‑deserved date with yourself.
How to Enter:
- Donate your bridal gown at one of the participating Goodwill stores or drop-off locations:
- Take a photo with your dress at the donation location.
- Scan the QR code provided by the Manager and submit your photo.
Each gown donated = one entry. So if you have more than one dress, you can enter again with each donation! The giveaway winner will be chosen at random and contacted on Monday, February 16.
Give Your Dress a Second Love Story
Your bridal gown already played a special role in your story, and now it can help write someone else’s. Donating your dress gives it new life and helps future brides shine on their big day. Even better, every donation supports Goodwill’s job training and career services, creating opportunities for people right here in our community to better their lives.
Don’t let it collect dust. Turn it into opportunity!
Save the Date: Bridal Pop-Up Sale — Saturday, March 7
Looking for your own dream dress? Our seventh annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale is returning on Saturday, March 7 at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. Each year, we help hundreds of brides find their dream dress at a price that fits their budget and supports programs that change lives. Thank you for supporting our event!
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is receiving a substantial financial contribution toward its mission. The nonprofit was awarded a grant from The Lennar Foundation and the Charles Koch Foundation.
“We are thrilled to receive this investment in our mission,” said LaRita Barber, Chief Advancement Officer for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “Financial contributions like this one make it possible for us to offer job training programs at no cost to community members. We know that sustainable employment is a key driver of economic mobility and prosperity, and programs like our Construction & Trade Skills training program help people build the skills they need to succeed.”
Funding will support Goodwill’s Construction Basics program, which provides participants with foundational skills for employment in the construction industry. The 10-week program, delivered at the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center, includes instruction in job site safety, basic math and tool identification, and it serves as the prerequisite to advanced programs also offered at the center.
“Employment opportunities in the construction industry are growing rapidly, but many job seekers lack the skills employers need,” said Marvin Kelley, Director for Construction & Trade Skills training at Goodwill. “Our program bridges that gap by providing hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications to set participants up for long-term success.”
Upon completion, participants earn National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour certifications. They also receive support from Goodwill staff, who provide wraparound services such as resume prep, mock interviews and assistance in building employability skills.
The Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center opened in 2019 to create a pathway for upward mobility through the trades, while also addressing the labor shortage of local construction companies. Since then, the Goodwill program has graduated 850 adult learners, increased its list of employer partners and created a pipeline of talent to local construction companies.
SouthPark Skipper Makes Donating Easier Than Ever in South Park!
Great news for South Park shoppers and donors! SouthPark Skipper, the free neighborhood ride service, is now offering direct rides to the Goodwill drop-off location at the SouthPark Mall.
Operating every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Skipper provides convenient point-to-point service anywhere within the SouthPark district – and now, that includes Goodwill!
Whether you’re clearing out your closet, donating household items, or simply looking to make a positive impact, getting to Goodwill has never been easier. Just hop on the Skipper and head straight to the donation center—no parking hassles, no extra stops. Already use the SouthPark Skipper regularly? Next time you’re going out for dinner, shopping at the mall, or visiting anywhere in SouthPark, bring your donations along! With the Skipper, you can conveniently drop them off at Goodwill on the way.
Why donate? Your gently used items help fund job training programs, career services and more that empower individuals in our community, including our very own Goodwill team members. Every donation makes a difference! See what you can donate here.
How to Ride the Skipper to Goodwill’s SouthPark drop-off location:
1. Download the Ride Freebee app
Select “SouthPark, Charlotte” in the app, or call 855-918-3733 to request a ride.
2. Select your pick up and drop off location
Open the app and select “Goodwill Donation” as your location. The Skipper can pick you up from anywhere inside the SouthPark district, daily from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Please note that the donation drop-off is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Accessibility accommodations and booster seats are available.
3. Ride for free
Get dropped off at Goodwill and brought back to either your original destination or next destination within SouthPark, free of charge.
SEASON OF GIVING ROUND UP CHALLENGE
This November, your spare change can spark real change in our community – and give you a chance to win a little something extra for yourself!
When you shop at any Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont retail store and choose to round up your purchase this month, you’ll be eligible to enter our weekly giveaway for a $25 Goodwill gift card! Just scan the QR code at checkout to enter. One lucky winner will be selected each week throughout November – and the more times you shop and round up, the more chances you have to win!
Here’s how to enter:
- Shop at any Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont retail store.
- Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar – or more if you’re feeling extra generous!
- Scan the QR code at the register to enter the giveaway.
- Repeat each time you shop and round up — every entry counts!
But the impact goes far beyond the register.
Your extra cents help fund life-changing programs for thousands of people in our community – including our own Goodwill team members. From tuition-free Construction & Trade Skills training to job search support and wraparound services, your generosity helps individuals build brighter futures for themselves and their families. We encourage you to read the stories of some of the thousands of people we’ve helped thanks to community support.
It’s a small act of kindness that makes a big impact.
Thank you for giving back this season. Good luck in the giveaway!
Join Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont as we participate in DAF Day on October 9, 2025.
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable savings account that gives you the flexibility to recommend grants to qualified non-profits like Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. DAFs currently hold about $230 billion philanthropic dollars in the United States and provide a simple way for the donor to get needed resources to their favorite causes in an easy and efficient way.
About 37% of DAF accounts go unused each year. We can change that this year, by encouraging supporters of Goodwill’s mission to make a DAF gift on National DAF Day. Your dollars help people right here in our community, including Goodwill team members, pursue the life they want to achieve through our life-changing services. When you invest in Goodwill, you’re investing in a more vibrant, resilient community for generations to come.
Making a DAF donation is easy to do. Just send our EIN – 56-0844639 to your account holder today, and reach out to our Chief Advancement Officer, LaRita Barber, at LaRita.Barber@goodwillsp.org if you have any questions.
Imagine the good we can do together when you put your DAF to work.
Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), established in 2011 by Dr. Jacqueline Copeland-Carson of Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network with recognition by the United Nations, is celebrated globally every August to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. Since its founding, millions of people and organizations across the globe have celebrated every August as a month of celebration and renewal of giving to and by African-descent communities.
At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, it’s our mission to build pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve through job training and career placement resources. Success isn’t achieved alone, which is why we encourage partnership and collaboration to help our team and the people we serve in achieving their goals. As a nonprofit, we rely on material donations and purchases at our retail stores to fund our mission, in addition to corporate and philanthropic financial contributions.
Chris Jackson, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and a longtime donor to the organization, shares his perspective on the power of giving – both as a personal commitment and as a catalyst for community transformation.
Q: Why is it important to give?
Chris: “I believe giving is an expression of empathy and shared humanity. It’s how we build bridges across differences, participating in supporting others in our community, and investing in the future we want to see. Giving isn’t about charity – it’s about creating opportunity, fostering dignity, and reinforcing the idea that we are all interconnected. When we give, we affirm that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.”
Q: Why is it important to give to Goodwill?
Chris: “Supporting Goodwill is an investment in a better community for all and in sustainable change. Goodwill’s focus is to create pathways that help people prepare for the life they want to achieve. Every donation supports creating employment opportunities, training, and other programs that help individuals gain the skills needed to be successful. It’s a way to turn generosity into measurable impact here in our community.”
Q: How important is it to be a leader as a Black philanthropist?
Chris: “Representation matters – not just in boardrooms, but in giving circles and community leadership. When Black philanthropists lead, they bring lived experience and a commitment to equity that enriches the philanthropic landscape. It’s about visibility, legacy, and creating pathways for systemic change.”
Q: Where does your sense of community come from?
Chris: “My sense of community is rooted in family values, lived experience, and a deep belief we can all contribute to improving our community. It comes from growing up in environments where I saw the power of people looking out for one another, where opportunity and support led to unlimited potential.”
Q: How can someone’s involvement help others in the community?
Chris: “Community involvement can ignite transformation. It helps build trust, foster collaboration, and drives solutions that are inclusive and lasting. When one person steps up, it inspires others to do the same. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, donating, or advocating, each act of engagement can create ripples. It helps others feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
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If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s programs and services that we offer to the community free of charge, consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution.
WE’RE BACK!
We’re excited to announce that we’re officially back and accepting donations in Myers Park – and this time, we’re here for good!
You might remember our donation trailer that once stood in the neighborhood. Now, we’re proud to announce the opening of our very first brick-and-mortar donation drop-off location, right here in Myers Park at 813 Providence Road. Hours of operation are Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our neighbors and continue making it easier to give back!
DONATE GRAND OPENING WEEKEND & ENTER TO WIN
Our official ribbon cutting and grand opening will be on Thursday, June 5. To celebrate, anyone who donates during grand opening weekend – between Thursday, June 5 and Sunday, June 8 – will be entered to win a $100 gift card to Salted Melon, our new next door neighbor.
DECLUTTER WITH PURPOSE
And remember, your donations do more than clear out your closet. They create real opportunities for people in our community to build a better future for themselves and their families!
The revenue we generate from selling donated items fuels our mission, enabling us to offer career training programs, job search support services and more at no cost to thousands of people each year, including our very own team members. Drop off your things and spark someone else’s next chapter!
Learn more about what we accept here, and find a list of all of our donation drop-offs and retail stores here.
Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), established in 2011 by Dr. Jacqueline Copeland-Carson of Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network with recognition by the United Nations, is celebrated globally every August to elevate African-descent giving and funding equity. Since its founding, millions of people and organizations across the globe have celebrated every August as a month of celebration and renewal of giving to and by African-descent communities.
At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, it’s our mission to build pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve. Success isn’t achieved alone, which is why we encourage partnership and collaboration to help our team and the people we serve in achieving their goals. As a nonprofit, we rely on donations and shopping at our retail stores to fund our mission, in addition to corporate and philanthropic donations.
Nick and Regina Wharton, longtime donors of Goodwill, share why giving is important and why they choose to support Goodwill.
Q: Why is it important to give?
Regina: “Giving helps to put you at the center of what community stands for — no one makes it on their own. As my mother would often say, no matter how much you think you have somebody has more. And no matter how little you think you have somebody has less. Keep life in perspective and give what you can to our community to make a difference.”
Nick: “I believe in strategic partnerships based on authentic collaboration with organizations doing extraordinary work in the community.”
Q: Why is it important to give to Goodwill?
Regina: “Simply stated Goodwill does good work! I was honored to serve on the board for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, so I gained a lot of knowledge about Goodwill and the difference the organization makes in our community. It also meant a lot for us to honor my father who worked in the trades as an elevator repair person and business owner. It’s a reminder that we come from a family that has benefited from what Goodwill stands for.”
Nick: “I think it’s so important that those who have give to organizations that are making a difference. A lot of organizations are involved in the movement to change the economic trajectory of the city. Goodwill is among the organizations making an extraordinary impact on jobs in the city.”
Q: How important is it to be leaders as Black philanthropists?
Regina: “To whom much is given, much is required! We have been blessed to be a blessing to others. We give as much as we can, and we have raised responsible adults that also give. Knowing we have been a role model for them matters to us. Give what you can and collectively it makes a difference.”
Q: Where does your sense of community come from?
Nick: “My mother raised three sons in a tough working-class community in Jamaica, Queens, NYC. I benefitted from rich community support systems that nurtured my growth and development. My entire career as a nonprofit executive and in the corporate arena has been providing economic opportunities to those left behind. These experiences have hard wired a desire to see people change their lives in communities that embrace and nurture change.
Q: How can someone’s involvement help others in the community?
Regina: “Involvement is all about building awareness! A lot of times you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes unless you get involved. Once you get involved you will find out the many ways you can make a difference with your time and treasure. I take every opportunity I can to mention the Goodwill Opportunity Campus — where it’s located, the good work that’s happening with programs & services, and what’s behind the retail stores!”
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If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s programs and services that we offer to the community free of charge, consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution.
Goodwill is partnering with businesses throughout the region to boost donations and local impact as we turn your items into career services for people in the community. We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, representing a powerful collaboration between two of the largest nonprofits in our community.
From Monday, July 15 through Monday, July 29, four YMCA centers – Brace, Simmons, Morrison, and Keith – will go head-to-head in the Give for Good competition. This two-week blitz encourages each location to rally their employees, members and community supporters to donate gently used items at Goodwill bins located inside their facilities. The YMCA that gathers the most donations by the end of the competition will be crowned the winner, and all donated items will be sold at Goodwill stores to fund crucial job training and employment services across the Charlotte region.
We’re grateful to the Y for kicking off the Give for Good competition and are looking for other organizations to take the challenge. Are you part of a locally-focused business that would be a perfect partner for the head-to-head donation challenge? Let’s explore the possibility. For more information, click here.
As many of you know, when you shop or donate at Goodwill, you do good for the community. That’s because the money we make from selling donated items in our stores is what funds the programs and services we offer to the community absolutely free of charge. These programs and services help people train for and find employment so that they can support themselves and their families. When families thrive, communities thrive.
But did you know when you shop or donate at Goodwill, you also do good for our planet? Here are just three ways Goodwill is good for the Earth:
- Goodwill stores play a big part in the circular economy, which is a system that keeps products in circulation for as long as possible. Goodwill helps communities extend the life of usable items, which reduces the amount of material sent to landfills or incinerators. Last year, we sold more than 17 million items, giving them a second chance.
- Goodwill works to solve the planet’s e-waste problem, the fastest growing waste problem in the world. We recycle and refurbish more than 1 million pounds of electronics each year. Electronics that are donated in working condition and items we’re able to refurbish are sold at our tech store, The GRID. Items that we can’t resell are recycled.
- Many people don’t realize the amount of limited natural resources it takes to produce everyday items. For example, did you know that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to make just one pair of jeans? That’s crazy! When you donate clothes you no longer want and buy secondhand items, you help preserve the planet’s water supply.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, start by donating to Goodwill. We make it easy to give stuff a new life to keep the planet a bit greener!