My daughter and I use to enjoy a day of hitting the retro places especially those that were non-profits trying to find the amazing ‘old’ stuff….one of our favorites was Goodwill that had some amazing stuff and at reasonable prices.
All that has changed last visit to a Goodwill store found there were few bargains and the feel of the store was that of a corporate profit chasing entity.
Then I read an article that I want to share….especially if you think you are doing good work by supporting this business.
Donating used items to Goodwill is a common practice for those looking to declutter while helping others. However, there are several reasons to reconsider this donation choice. Here are ten reasons why you might want to stop giving your used items to Goodwill and explore other options instead.
1. Questionable Business Practices
Goodwill is often perceived as a charity dedicated to helping those in need, but its business practices have come under scrutiny. Despite its nonprofit status, Goodwill operates more like a for-profit business. Executives at some Goodwill organizations earn very high six-figure salaries. For example in 2024, the Chief Executive Officers of the 12 largest Goodwill organizations were compensated between $405,215 – $960,943 annually. The average was $670,000.
There have been reports of the organization historically paying workers with disabilities significantly less than minimum wage under the special exemption of the Fair Labor Standards Act (per CNBC). While many states are phasing out this loophole, understanding where your donations go can prompt you to consider alternatives that better align with your values.
2. Low Direct Impact on Local Communities
While Goodwill does provide job training and employment opportunities, the direct impact on local communities can be limited. According to the Seattle Times, donations to Goodwill are often sold in bulk or shipped overseas, where they may not benefit your local area.
Donating to smaller, community-focused organizations or shelters can ensure your items directly support those in need within your neighborhood.
2. Low Direct Impact on Local Communities
While Goodwill does provide job training and employment opportunities, the direct impact on local communities can be limited. According to the Seattle Times, donations to Goodwill are often sold in bulk or shipped overseas, where they may not benefit your local area.
Donating to smaller, community-focused organizations or shelters can ensure your items directly support those in need within your neighborhood.
Please read on….especially if you visit Goodwill stores)
https://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2026/03/07/10139410_rethinking-donations-to-goodwill.html
Another ‘charity’ has fallen to the profit god.
I Read, I Write, You Know
“lego ergo scribo”
I am parting ways with Goodwill after I visited their local outlet and discovered that a simple well-used Tee-shirt was going to cost me Nine dollars. I can get them on sale at a big box store (brand new) for $11.00 —-
We have written off Goodwill as well….shoes for $20….really? They are no more helping the community just in search of more profit…..chuq
WOW. Thank you for sharing this – there are SO many options to donate to local organizations, churches etc where the good do indeed stay and help your neighbors….shame on Good will for these practices.
I agree,,,,this is a sad story for a once respected organization. chuq
Thanks for sharing this, Lobotero! I had no idea. Goodwill has long been my ‘go-to’ place when replacing household items or getting rid of clothing we’ve outgrown. Last year when we moved and cleaned out closets we took 4 or 5 large bags of coats, bedding, and clothing to the local Goodwill. I wish I had known this then, and I would have taken them to the Salvation Army instead! Thanks again for keeping us informed!
You are welcome I am glad that it was helpful….chuq
I gave up on Good Will long ago (as well as United Way but that’s a different story). The stores around here have turned into little more than outlets of cheap Chinese imports and unsellable products donated (for a hefty tax write off I’m sure) from the big chain stores, and that’s about it. And at prices that are, as John noted as well, close to full retail prices. The aisles full of donated items? I don’t see much if any of that at any of the local stores when I was in them last. The stores around here are like a tacky version of the dollar stores.
‘Tacky version of Dollar Stores’…..perfect analogy. chuq
My opinion of United Way isn’t much better. The UW CEO makes over $1 million a year. I know they claim that 85% of the funds they collect go to charity. Don’t care. That means that $150 of every $1,000 I contribute would go straight into the pockets of UW instead of to the charities I want to support.
I know what you mean I have been suspicious of UW and the Red Cross for years now. chuq