We all know back to school looks different this year. Most schools in the Puget Sound region will be offering remote learning , which creates an entirely new set of challenges for many families. Here at Goodwill, we hope to alleviate a few of those worries by offering some fun, yet affordable solutions for getting…
“You guys have opened the door to me and I want to see how far I can go.” Julie suffered a loss and took a step back to decide her next steps. “I was terrified to lose my husband, turn 50, and figure out what I was going to do.” She knew she wanted to…
“Goodwill’s culinary program taught me skills I use everyday. I still have a lot to learn, and that happens every day thanks to the good teachers here on the job. With more education and support, one day I will be opening the doors at my own place!” Three years ago, Bennet Ellefson’s dream of becoming…
“Goodwill helped me climb out of desperation and into a new world. I want to help others along that same path and this is a perfect way for me to do that.” In early 2019, Davina Kerrelola was doing everything she could to escape an abusive relationship in California, while trying to build a better…
“I love my new job. I’m so thankful that Goodwill gave me the modern workforce makeover! For those who have been out of work for a long time, SCSEP is so important because you can earn a salary while you retrain and gain real employment experience!” Eighteen years ago, Selma McCord lost her husband and…
Princeton was first introduced to Goodwill’s Youth Build program by his sister. She heavily pushed him to enroll in the program so he could get his GED. Princeton was surprised by how much he enjoyed Youth Build and that the experience was more hands on then just sitting in a classroom. Since graduating Youth Build…
Traditional schooling isn’t always the right option for students. This was true for Gunner Pemberton, who was referred to Goodwill® to obtain his GED. “I didn’t like school as a kid,” Gunner commented. “That’s why I came here to get my GED.” Gunner arrived at Goodwill to pursue his education, but he left with so…
Jessica’s story is one of hope, determination and goodwill. Please watch this video to hear firsthand from Jessica:
Dominique had never been unemployed until last summer. For the past eight years, she has worked hard to provide for herself and her three young boys. The daughter of a pastor, Dominique felt she was not allowed to do things other kids did as a teenager. So she dropped out of school and moved out…
Supplies: Thrifted cheese dome Thrifted wreath Winter characters or ornaments Cotton balls or spider web (left over from Halloween crafting:) ) Spray Paint Vintage cheese domes have made a comeback, but not for cheese! You can repurpose them for seasonal dioramas like the one we made here – they are great for a coffee table…
We thrifted a set of 16 glass jars (3 oz each) at Goodwill for $5.99. Perfect for a gift exchange or if your gift giving list is quite long, these individual hot cocoa jars are the perfect amount for a single cup. Simple and inexpensive ($0.76 a piece), these treats will bring you joy on…
Two years ago, Deborah was homeless, battling drug addiction and had lost custody of her children to Child Protective Services. Then she found Goodwill’s Culinary Training program. With the determination to change her life and the support of Goodwill staff, Deborah not only excelled in the program but was able to get sober and secure…
Supplies: Tea Light Lanterns Mini Christmas Ornaments Legos Spray Paint Hot Glue Old Christmas Wreath Leftover Halloween Webbing Step 1: Carefully move the tabs up to remove the glass so you can spray paint the lanterns. Step 2: Spray paint the lanterns. Take the time now to clean the glass. Step 3: Hot glue a…
Pass down a recipe with this repurposed vintage box. Supplies: Thrifted box – $5.99 at Goodwill Mod Podge Patterned paper First measure your box. (If your box is not a square) Pick the largest side to start your measuring! Use a ruler to measure the width and the height. You’ll want to cut your paper…
Turn a Vintage juicer into a unique jewelry holder! We found the juicer at Goodwill for $2.99, the paper was in a scrapbook set, also from Goodwill. We picked up the Mod Podge from a nearby craft store, but we bet all you DIYers already have a bottle or two! After washing and drying the…
Turn a vintage silver-plated tray into a versatile message board with a few easy steps! We found this tray for just $1.99 at Goodwill and the other elements at our nearby craft store. After washing and drying the tray, use painter’s tape to tape of the frame of the tray – or any part that…
Transform a cozy flannel into the perfect hand warmers or eye mask. Add a little peppermint oil inside for extra holiday cheer! Supplies: Thrifted Flannel Shirt – $7.99 at Goodwill Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread Cut your pieces into squares and/or rectangles. The square pieces make great hand warmers and rectangles are perfect for…
This project is a great way to get the whole family involved! Kids will love transforming these puzzle pieces into one-of-a-kind snowflakes. You can make multiple crafts with these pieces, scroll to see. Supplies: Jigsaw puzzle – $1.99 at Goodwill Wooden Hoop – $2.99 at Goodwill White Paint Glue (We used hot glue) Paint Brush…
One-of-a-kind Stockings! Pick up a retro sweater from Goodwill and follow our easy-to-sew instructions for a unique stocking. Supplies: Thrifted Sweater – $6.99 at Goodwill Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread Use a simple stocking pattern to get the shape looking right. Click here for all different types of stocking patterns. After you print your…
Wrapping can be frustrating if you don’t have the right tools for the job. Keep all of your favorite wrapping paper in reach with this simple DIY Wrapping Paper Organizer. Supplies: Large thrifted frame – $9.99 at Goodwill Spray paint – we chose gold Wooden Dowels Screw-in Hooks First, take apart your frame, so you…
Find a colorful plaid flannel shirt and create a pillow slip cover! Supplies: Thrifted Flannel Shirt – $7.99 at Goodwill Pillow Form (or cover one of your old ones) Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread Lay out flannel shirt to measure. Use pillow form as a guide, measuring from seam to seam an allowing for…
Sure ghosts are easy to make – trace your foot and turn it upside down (grade-school craft project.) But what about making a 3D version? One of our in-house DIYers made this super simple, only slightly messy 3D framed ghost from some everyday items found at Goodwill. Supplies: – Plastic doll (ideally with a head…
July 4th is fun occasion to celebrate – in style! Who doesn’t love a red, white and blue combination? We searched Goodwills in Tacoma and Federal Way to find amazing pieces you can add to any picnic or outdoor party! PLUS save 50% off ALL donated items on July 4th! Scroll to check out tips…
“I’m so inspired that I want to inspire others, so they feel the excitement that Goodwill really does change lives.” For most of his career, Dale Garcia proudly worked in the transportation industry until a severe injury left him out of work for more than two years. “I worried about how I would provide for…
Step 1 – Find Your Pot We found this ceramic pot for $2.99 at our local Goodwill. Lucky for us, all green tags were 50% off and we got it for only $1.50! Not completely in love with the color – so we grabbed some supplies and gave this pot a new look. Step 2…
Putting together an Easter basket can be a fun way to get creative and incorporate all of their favorite things! Goodwill is a great place to shop for toys, games, and treats to fill any Easter basket! We’ve collected some baskets from our local Goodwill in Tacoma, WA so you can get a look at…
Jaci Sweet loved her job in the home health nursing field but was ultimately let go because the position demanded technical competencies that she did not possess. “I didn’t have the computer skills I needed to work behind a desk and do the managerial side of the position,” Jaci reflected. To learn what she needed…
Get your plants growing – inside! Pots can be expensive, but Goodwill has tons of unique containers that will help you bring greenery indoors. We shopped around at our 38th street location for the perfect plant homes, scroll down and get some spring inspiration! Tool Shop And don’t forget your tools! Many of our local…
Guest Thrifter Shara Gordon @styledbyshara gives key tips to maximizing your wardrobe using thrifted pieces. This project was a collaboration with Jasmine Jackson @jay_upgrades.All photography was shot by Gerry Gordon @gordonnoir. Thrifting can be an affordable means to elevate your professional wardrobe. Here are some tips and tricks you can use, that may help in…
Whether you’re treating yourself or someone you love – we have everything you need! We strolled through the aisles at our local Tacoma thrift stores and found these great items to make the day special! 1. Bake Something Sweet Turn a favorite baked good into a heart shaped masterpiece -OR- fill a heart shaped ramekin…
Every year you start fresh with big ideas to make changes in your life that will stick and we’re here to help! We’ve gathered the top 5 new year’s resolutions and common items in our local Goodwill that will help you achieve your goals. Get your new year off to a great start at Goodwill!…
Most people start the year out with similar objectives – to eat better, exercise and get your life more organized. With more organization comes less stuff – and more donations for us. Donations come in at full force at the beginning of each New Year and we’re here to show you how to maximize the…
We’ve compiled some amazing Goodwill finds to inspire your NYE party. Ring in 2019 with unique home décor and stunning clothes – that won’t break the bank! Each piece below we handpicked from our 38th Street Location in Tacoma, WA. Women’s Clothing Tips:– Grab anything velvet, suede, metallic, or glitter to look the part.– Pair…
Shopping can be hard, but we’re here to help! We made a trip to our local Goodwill and shopped through each isle to find fun and unique gifts for everyone on your list. Art Lovers Give the gift of new wall art. We found this groovy print at Goodwill, sure to bring color to any…
Gift for good this year at Goodwill! We have created a Holiday Guide with you in mind. Our guide is full of great DIY gift ideas, home decor items and MORE! Flip through and get inspired.
Pass down a recipe with this repurposed vintage box. Supplies: Thrifted box – $5.99 at Goodwill Mod Podge Patterned paper First measure your box. (If your box is not a square) Pick the largest side to start your measuring! Use a ruler to measure the width and the height. You’ll want to cut your paper…
Transform a cozy flannel into the perfect hand warmers or eye mask. Add a little peppermint oil inside for extra holiday cheer! Supplies: Thrifted Flannel Shirt – $7.99 at Goodwill Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread Cut your pieces into squares and/or rectangles. The square pieces make great hand warmers and rectangles are perfect for…
This project is a great way to get the whole family involved! Kids will love transforming these puzzle pieces into one-of-a-kind snowflakes. You can make multiple crafts with these pieces, scroll to see. Supplies: Jigsaw puzzle – $1.99 at Goodwill Wooden Hoop – $2.99 at Goodwill White Paint Glue (We used hot glue) Paint Brush…
One-of-a-kind Stockings! Pick up a retro sweater from Goodwill and follow our easy-to-sew instructions for a unique stocking. Supplies: Thrifted Sweater – $6.99 at Goodwill Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread Use a simple stocking pattern to get the shape looking right. Click here for all different types of stocking patterns. After you print your…
Wrapping can be frustrating if you don’t have the right tools for the job. Keep all of your favorite wrapping paper in reach with this simple DIY Wrapping Paper Organizer. Supplies: Large thrifted frame – $9.99 at Goodwill Spray paint – we chose gold Wooden Dowels Screw-in Hooks First, take apart your frame, so you…
Find a colorful plaid flannel shirt and create a pillow slip cover! Supplies: Thrifted Flannel Shirt – $7.99 at Goodwill Pillow Form (or cover one of your old ones) Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread Lay out flannel shirt to measure. Use pillow form as a guide, measuring from seam to seam an allowing for…
Supplies: Two Frames, Same Size Fall Leaves _________________________________________________________ Step 1: Find a two frames that are the same size and large enough to hold a leaf or leaves. Step 2: Take the backing out of both frames. Take a leaf and lay flat on one panel of glass. Place glass from second frame and…
>> PUMPKIN BASKET << >> DOG TREAT BASKET<< Supplies: Goodwill purchases: Basket Orange Spray Paint Craft store purchases: Hot Glue Felt Orange Tissue Paper _________________________________________________________ Step 1: Find the perfect basket from Goodwill to transform into a pumpkin. Step 2: Spray paint the basket orange. Insert the orange tissue paper to give it a pumpkin…
>> SPELL BOOK << >> GHOULISH PORTRAIT << Supplies: And old book with removable cover Skeleton Spider Acrylic Paint & foam brushes Metallic Sharpie ____________________________________________ Step 1: We LOVE old books because you can do so many things with them, besides read them of course! This project can be modified in so many ways –…
>> HANGING SKELETON << >> TRICK OR TREAT << >> CANDY CALL-OUT << >> SPIDER WEB << Supplies: Textured Frame Skeleton Black String String Lights (optional) Spray Paint (bought at craft store) _________________________________________________________ Step 1: Find a textured frame and a spooky figure, like this skeleton! Step 2: Spray paint the frame black and use…
THIS IS A SPONSORED POST WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOODWILL OF THE OLYMPICS & RAINIER REGION My Goto Thrift Store is blue Boutique Hi everyone, my name is Bailey and I am TrulyGinger on Instagram. I started TrulyGinger in January 2018 to inspire affordable fashion, to share the excitement of finding the best deals on…
Thrifting for the Vintage Enthusiasts THIS IS A SPONSORED POST WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOODWILL OF THE OLYMPICS & RAINIER REGION Has anyone else ever had a relative drag them into a thrift store? I certainly have. My first thrifting experience came when I was very young, maybe 7 or 8, and what I remember…
THIS IS A SPONSORED POST WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOODWILL OF THE OLYMPICS & RAINIER REGION I frequent many of my local Goodwill stores on a weekly basis. I’ve even been known to go back in on the same day! Why? Well, they are constantly taking new items to the sales floor and I never…
THIS IS A SPONSORED POST WRITTEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOODWILL OF THE OLYMPICS & RAINIER REGION. The question I am asked most often when people come to my house is, “Where do you find all your cool stuff?” The answer is always, “Goodwill.” My history with Goodwill started when I furnished my first apartment at…
As a young adult, Susanna Rink avoided thrift stores. But she took a chance on Goodwill, and now she can’t imagine doing anything else. Meet the manager of our South Lacey store. “When my parents took us on a trip we had to stop at every thrift store along the way and as a kid,…
Growing up in a Navy household, Leo Gruba knew that someday he’d follow his father into the military. In his junior year of high school he did just that – enlisting in the Army and finding himself at Basic Training. “While my friends were mopping floors at burger joints, I was the newest fledgling entry…
“Yulie” (Ayulieth) Reyes has a passion to one day own her own traditional Mexican restaurant. After moving to America with her own family, Yulie’s dream led her to several jobs working in restaurants. Then she saw a Craigslist ad for Goodwill’s Culinary Skills program. “When I looked at the program at Goodwill I realized they…
“If you gain anything, you will gain confidence. I always had a big outspoken voice, but I never shared it until I was here. I proved to myself I was worth it.” -Daerik, YouthBuild Cycle 22 Before YouthBuild, Daerik tried unsuccessfully for 2 years to earn his GED. “I had given up, and felt outcast…
Anita Davis is a single mother raising a grandson with special needs. Seven years ago her life turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a vocal disorder and could no longer work as a receptionist, a job she loved… “So I thought, what could I do where I didn’t have to use my voice…
In early 2017 Cliff Ragadio retired after 20 years of Army service and faced a daunting decision – what’s next? At 39, Ragadio wanted to grow beyond the structured life that he had enjoyed since 19, and he still needed the financial capacity to help his children through college. He wanted room to grow and…
Aileen was born, raised and married in the Philippines. When she was 24, her husband found a job in the United States, so they moved with their newborn baby. They had no family nearby, so Aileen, who had worked as a computer programmer, decided it was best if she stayed home to take care of…
When Monica moved to Washington to live with her uncle, she was without direction. She had not completed high school and was unsure about how to establish herself. Then she learned about the GED Program at Longview Goodwill’s Work Opportunity Center. “I was nervous but I tried it out and I ended up liking it.”…
We welcome to our tutoring staff Moussa Diallo, who also tutors at Tacoma Community College and recently received the Outstanding Student Award at the Math Advising Resource Center at Tacoma Community College. Moussa is a native of Senegal in West Africa and is fluent in English, French (spoken in Senegal), Wolof (Native language of Senegal) and in…
Jose joined the U.S. Army as a reservist in 2001. “In the beginning, I was focused on the Army’s education benefits and scholarships,” he said, “but I soon transitioned to active-duty service.” By 2014, Jose’s military career had advanced considerably. He had completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, become a commissioned officer, and served in…
Kenyetta left home at age 17. She married young and operated two restaurants with her husband, but when her marriage ended she didn’t want to look back. “I didn’t ever want to have to call my ex-husband for a reference, so I left my restaurant experience off my resume. It looked like I didn’t have…
At the age of 13, Chelsea was struck by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with some psychological challenges and cognitive limitations, including working with numbers. Nevertheless, she persevered and graduated from high school on time. Then, at age 21, Chelsea suffered another serious injury while trying to break up…
At Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region, stewardship is one of our core values. We maximize the value of donated goods to generate the most funding for job training and to keep as much material out of the landfills as possible. When people donate their used household goods to us, we sell them at…
Dominique had never been unemployed until last summer. For the past eight years, she has worked hard to provide for herself and her three young boys. The daughter of a pastor, Dominique felt she was not allowed to do things other kids did as a teenager. So she dropped out of school and moved out…
For more than 21 years, Jimmie served in the U.S. Army as a human resources specialist. As he contemplated his transition to civilian employment, he knew he wanted a career that would allow him to make use of his previous education and experience. “Although I knew many of the skills I had were transferable, understanding…
After losing her mother to cancer at the age of 7, Donna was left without a strong female role model in her life. Her father did his best to create a stable home life for her, but frequent moves between Washington and California forced Donna to face the challenge of making new friends and fitting…
