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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:

  1. Donate your bridal gown at one of the participating Goodwill stores or drop-off locations:
  2. Take a photo with your dress at the donation location.
  3. 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!

Rock Hill Warehouse Auction: High-Volume Deals for Resellers

If you’re a reseller, refurbisher, or bulk buyer looking for your next big lot, our Rock Hill Second Editions location is launching a new warehouse auction series. Mark your calendars for the first event on Monday, March 2. You won’t want to miss it!

This fast-paced auction will take place inside the warehouse behind the store, featuring lots of merchandise ideal for buyers who purchase in volume. Expect items such as:

Event Details

Who Should Attend

This event is geared toward bulk buyers. Most lots are intended for buyers comfortable making high-volume purchases. It’s a great opportunity for:

How It Works

Preview Photos

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we believe everyone deserves access to the skills and tools needed to succeed in today’s digital world. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Center for Digital Equity (CDE) to bring free computer training – and free laptops – to people across our region.

Through the CDE’s ConnectTech program, participants learn essential digital skills that open doors to employment, education, and overall independence. With more than 90 percent of jobs in North Carolina now requiring digital proficiency, this kind of access is critical.

Classes are led by the CDE’s digital navigators and hosted at community-centered locations like Goodwill’s Career and Employment Centers in Charlotte and Gastonia. Participants build confidence using technology for everyday tasks, from emailing and applying for jobs to navigating online platforms for school and healthcare. By June of 2026, 900 laptops will be distributed to participants who complete the program’s required assessments.

Goodwill is honored to collaborate with partners like CDE, the YMCA, and others committed to creating a more equitable digital future for our community. Together, we are helping hundreds of residents gain the tools they need to build brighter futures.

Learn more about Goodwill’s free digital skills offerings at this link.

“The designer is obviously something that would have most likely been unattainable for me otherwise. And so, whoever out there donated their Claire Pettibone dress to Goodwill, I am so grateful because it looked like it had never been worn. It was in perfect condition, and it was perfect for me.” 

When Cameron Davis Bordley walked into Goodwill’s annual Bridal Pop-Up in 2024, she wasn’t chasing a specific silhouette, designer or trend. In fact, she arrived with almost no expectations at all. 

“I didn’t know what kind of dress I wanted,” she said. “I thought I wanted sleeves – and obviously didn’t go with that. The only thing I really knew was my venue.”

With a full year before her wedding and no pressure to make a quick decision, Cameron approached the sale with curiosity more than urgency. She invited her friend Susan on a whim after seeing the event on social media. 

“I love a good deal,” she laughed. “I sent Susan the link and said, ‘Want to go with me and just check it out?’”

Cameron admits she expected chaos – something like the iconic “Friends” episode where Monica battles other brides at a sample sale. 

“It was the exact opposite,” she said. “Everyone was so positive. In the dressing room, women were cheering each other on – ‘That looks so good on you!’ ‘That’s perfect!’ It was such a supportive environment.”

While Goodwill is not a bridal boutique, the nonprofit works to make the event feel special for brides. 

She and Susan arrived about 15 minutes before doors opened, joining a line filled with excited brides. A DJ played music, the Goodwill team handed out snacks and coffee, and the line moved quickly. 

“Even standing in line was enjoyable,” she said. “Everyone was in a good mood.”

According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 17,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2024, the average wedding dress cost was about $2,000. 

Inside, Cameron’s eyes widened at the sheer number of gowns. 

“There were so many dresses – way more than I expected. You just go row by row and see what catches your eye.”

Cameron found a gown designed by Claire Pettibone, a luxury designer known for ethereal, romantic dresses – and for price tags far beyond most budgets. 

“She only has her flagship in L.A.,” Cameron said. “On the East Coast, I would’ve had to go to Atlanta or New York just to be fitted for one of her dresses.”

“She doesn’t post retail prices,” Cameron said, “but… it’s expensive.”

At the Bridal Pop-Up, Cameron paid just $300.

“It looked like it had never been worn,” she said. “It was perfect for me.”

While brides save money for the big day, they also are doing good for the community. Sales from the Bridal Pop-Up event help support Goodwill’s mission of providing tuition-free job training and career services to people in the Charlotte region. 

Cameron knew she wanted to feel beautiful on her wedding day – but she also knew she didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a dress.

The Bridal Pop-Up gave her the chance to have both: a dress that felt like a dream without the financial stress.

Cameron married her husband on May 31, 2025, in a garden ceremony in Wilmington – the exact setting she had envisioned when she picked up her gown. She wants to shout out her photographer, Jaclyn Nolin, and her event planner, Ashlyn Burke Events, who helped make her day all she dreamed of.

The bridal sale returns for its seventh annual event on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. in west Charlotte. Most bridal gowns will be priced from $99 to $499, and select designer dresses that are new with original tags will be priced up to $999. Special occasion, prom and bridesmaid dresses will be priced at $49 each, or three for $100. Shoes will start at $9.99.

Check out Cameron’s top four tips for brides shopping this year’s sale here.

ADJUSTED HOURS

As winter weather impacts our region, the safety of our team members, shoppers, donors, participants and partners remains our top priority.

We are making the following operational changes at this time:

[As of 1/26/26, 6:30 p.m.]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

Stay safe out there! We’ll update this post in real-time as changes to our operations are announced. Please check back regularly for the latest information.

At Goodwill, we know that supporting people holistically means meeting a wide range of needs. That’s why we’re proud to partner with trusted community organizations to bring free tax preparation support to both our Charlotte and Gastonia Career & Employment Centers this tax season.

Whether you’re hoping to learn if you qualify for valuable tax credits, need help understanding your tax documents, or prefer to receive tax guidance in Spanish, we have resources designed to meet your needs.

 Free Tax Prep in Spanish

We’re proud to partner with Common Wealth Charlotte to offer free tax preparation at our Gastonia Career & Employment Center, designed specifically for Spanish‑speaking community members. During these sessions, community members will have the opportunity to learn more about:

  • How taxes work in the United States
  • Who is required to file
  • What documents are needed
  • How to prepare for a successful filing experience

Session 1 Details:

Session 2 Details:

Financial Basics Workshop

In partnership with Common Wealth Charlotte, each month our Gastonia Career & Employment Center offers two‑hour Financial Basics workshops covering a variety of essential topics.

The February session is designed to help you navigate tax season with clarity. Whether you’re filing on your own, gathering the necessary documents, or trying to make sense of deductions and credits, this workshop will give you the tools and knowledge to move forward confidently.

Event Details:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Taxathon

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most impactful tax benefits available to low‑ to moderate‑income workers and families. For those who qualify, the EITC may reduce the amount of tax owed or increase your refund.

During this first-come, first-serve event, visitors can receive:

  • Guidance on determining EITC eligibility
  • Support understanding how the credit may benefit them this tax season
  • Assistance preparing 2023-2025 tax years
  • Access to community partners offering additional resources, including food referrals, vaccination information, financial management services, and more

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: Charlotte Career & Employment Center
  • Format: Walk-ins only. First come, first serve.
  • Please Bring: Social security card, photo ID, W2s and 1099 documents.
  • Learn more at this link.

Tax Prep for Goodwill Team Members 

We’re also offering tax preparation appointments exclusively for Goodwill team members.

Event Details:

  • Dates: Select Mondays throughout tax season
  • Location: Varies
  • Format: Appointment required. For details, contact your manager or see the Monday internal newsletter.

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is hosting its seventh annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale on Saturday, March 7, and if you’re a bride-to-be, this is an event you don’t want to miss. To give you an insider’s perspective, we caught up with Cameron Davis Bordley, who found her dream dress at the 2024 sale for a fraction of the regular retail price.

Cameron walked away with a designer gown, a huge savings, and a story she loves telling. Here are her top four tips for brides planning to attend the 2026 event:

1. Bring shoes if you have them – but don’t stress if you don’t.

Cameron says having a pair of heels (or the height you plan to wear on your wedding day) made it easier to envision how her dress would look in real life. But she also emphasizes that it’s not required. You can always change your shoe choice to fit the dress you fall in love with.

2. Think beyond the dress.

While the gowns draw the initial crowds, Cameron encourages brides to check out the accessories, veils, shoes, and reception‑ready looks, too. And the sale isn’t just for brides; you’ll also find options for the whole wedding party, including mother‑of‑the‑bride dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and other special‑occasion styles.

Goodwill’s Bridal Pop‑Up Sale often includes new‑with‑tags pieces from boutiques, plus elegant items perfect for bridal showers, engagement photos, rehearsal dinners, or bachelorette trips. It’s a treasure hunt with something for everyone.

3. Don’t worry about being at the back of the line.

It might feel like you need to be first in the door, but Cameron insists that brides at the end of the line still have incredible luck. Inventory is constantly flowing from the fitting area back to the racks as brides make decisions. And the line moves!

4. Bring a friend.

Whether it’s your mom, maid of honor, sister, or trusted bestie, having another set of eyes makes all the difference. Bring someone who knows your style, will hype you up, and can help you navigate the racks while keeping things joyful (and maybe even emotional in the best way).

—

Whether you’re hunting for the dress, a rehearsal dinner look, or just hoping to enjoy a fun and affordable bridal shopping experience, Goodwill’s Bridal Pop‑Up Sale is the perfect place to say “yes” to something special. With Cameron’s tips in mind, you’ll be ready to make the most of the event – and hopefully walk away with your own dream‑dress story. Let the countdown to March 7 begin!

On Monday, January 19, we join our community in reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring message of service, unity and justice. As part of our observance, some of our operations will adjust hours for the day.

While several of our teams will pause operations, select donation locations will remain open so we can continue offering a convenient, staffed option for those wishing to donate.

What’s Open on Monday, January 19:

The following donation sites will be open and ready to receive your gently used items:

What’s Closed on Monday, January 19:

We appreciate your support as we honor this important day. Whether you choose to spend the day in service, reflection or connection with your community, we hope it brings meaning and inspiration.

GEAR UP FOR WHAT’S NEXT

Ready to kickstart your year? Whether it’s exploring a new sport, setting up a home workout space, or simply moving more, your local Goodwill is packed with budget-friendly gear to support your journey.

ACTIVE ESSENTIALS

IN-STORE FINDS

YOUR GOALS FUEL GOOD

When you gear up for your goals at Goodwill, you’re doing more than shopping – you’re creating opportunities. Every purchase helps fund life-changing programs, from job and skills training to job search support, giving thousands of people the tools to succeed.

Calling all brides! You don’t want to miss our seventh annual, one-day-only Bridal Pop-Up Sale! We’ll be selling hundreds of designer gowns – many with the original tags still on them – at drastically reduced prices.

SAVE THE DATE

Goodwill’s seventh annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale is taking place Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, located at 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard in west Charlotte. We’ll be selling hundreds of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, special occasion dresses, and more in new or gently used condition.

PRICING

FAQs

  1. Are there fitting rooms?
    • Yes, there are fitting rooms on site so that shoppers can try on dresses. Please note that these fitting rooms are large and often times shared, so you may be in a fitting room with other brides.
  2. Are there restrooms?
    • Yes, there are restrooms on site.
  3.  What methods of payment will be accepted at the sale?
    • We will accept cash and major credit cards.
  4. Can I return items I purchase from the Bridal Pop-Up Sale?
    • No, you cannot return items purchased from the Bridal Pop-Up Sale. All sales are final.
  5. Is there a limit to the number of people I can bring with me?
    • No, there is no limit to the number of people you can bring with you. Bring the whole squad! The more, the merrier.
  6. Is there a limit to the number of people who can shop at one time?
    • Yes, to stay in alignment with fire codes, we can only allow a certain number of people in the showroom at a time. We will have someone stationed at the door counting people in and out to make sure everyone stays safe.

SAY “I DO” TO THE PERFECT EVENT SPACE

Planning your big day, or any special celebration? The Goodwill Opportunity Campus isn’t just the home of our Bridal Pop-Up Sale; it’s also a beautiful, flexible event venue available to rent year‑round. Whether you’re hosting a bridal event, wedding, or another gathering, our modern spaces can be tailored to fit your vision. Learn more about how Goodwill can help bring your event to life.

LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD

The revenue we generate from selling dresses at our Bridal Pop-Up Sale helps support tuition-free job training programs, skill-building workshops, career development opportunities, job search support, and more – empowering thousands of community members and team members each year to find gainful employment, grow their careers and achieve brighter futures. You can rest easy knowing your purchases will help people right here in the greater Charlotte area pursue the life they want to achieve. Check out a few of our recent success stories to see your support in action!

PHOTO GALLERY

Check out these pictures from previous sales!