Online donations will supply books for children in need

For more than 20 years, Goodwill’s BookWorks program has given books to children who may not otherwise have them. BookWorks volunteers read to preschoolers, and then present each child with a book to take home. These are the first books many of the children have owned.

Since volunteers can’t go into classrooms to do readings during the pandemic, they’re doing interactive online readings with preschool classes, and teachers are giving children books that volunteers dropped off earlier.

A virtual book drive for the program starts April 1 and runs through April 30. People in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Marion, Sumter and Highlands counties are being asked to purchase needed books through an online wish list, or to make a donation to the BookWorks fund that will be used to purchase books from a wholesaler. Goodwill can purchase new storybooks for less than $1 each.

To donate books through the online wish list or to make a monetary gift to purchase books, just visit goodwill-suncoast.org/book-drive-2021

To volunteer for BookWorks, call 888-279-1988 and ask for BookWorks or email bookworks@goodwill-suncoast.com

WMNF 88.5 FM Community Radio, Q92 FM and US 102.3 FM in Ocala are sponsors of the book drive.

BookWorks volunteers presented books to more than 70,000 children during the last two years. The program is desperately in need of books to meet future needs.

Goodwill’s BookWorks program is designed to instill a love of books and reading in children to establish the foundation for later success. Visit https://goodwill-suncoast.org/bookworks/ for more information about BookWorks.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is transforming lives through lifelong learning and the power of work. The organization’s successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties in West Central Florida including Job Connection centers, training and job placement for people with disabilities, a children’s literacy program, affordable apartment communities for seniors and people with disabilities, and community corrections programs. For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.

Goodwill-Suncoast will carry on the Belle of the Ball legacy

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is thrilled to announce it is providing free prom, homecoming, and formal event gowns for young women who may not be able to afford them.

The announcement comes as Goodwill has acquired The Belle of the Ball Project, a nonprofit founded by Susan Schwartz to offer prom and homecoming dresses to high-school girls in Tampa Bay and surrounding counties. Belle of the Ball was founded in 2003.

When Schwartz approached retirement, she reached out to Goodwill as a possible nonprofit to continue the Belle of the Ball legacy. Goodwill was delighted to say “yes to the dress” and plans to not only provide free dresses, but also introduce young women to career development and pathways to a successful future.

To shop: While we are unable to hold all-day shopping events due to the pandemic, we are offering in-person shopping appointments at our temporary location at 16432 US Hwy 19 N., Clearwater. To make an appointment to shop for a dress, please visit our web page at goodwill-suncoast.org/belle-of-the-ball or email belle.oftheball@goodwill-suncoast.com

To donate: New or gently loved dresses for Belle of the Ball Project may be donated at Sun Country Cleaner locations. Sun Country Cleaners will clean donated dresses before forwarding them to Belle of the Ball. We are very grateful for their continued support!

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is transforming lives through lifelong learning and the power of work. The organization’s successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties in West Central Florida including employment services, training and job placement, a children’s literacy program, affordable apartments for seniors and people with disabilities, and community corrections programs. For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.

Management and other positions available in multiple departments

TAMPA, FLA. – Goodwill’s Job Connection service is hosting a Goodwill hiring event, Wednesday, March 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Goodwill store at 1407 S. U.S. Hwy 301, in Tampa, just north of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is hiring for dozens of positions in retail, accounting, IT, human services, and other departments. Positions to be filled include store manager, accounting manager, and e-commerce associate. Most positions are in the Tampa Bay area.

Hiring managers will conduct interviews and make job offers on the spot. Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and to complete an application in advance. A list of available positions and an application are available at https://goodwill-suncoast.org/careers.

Goodwill offers a comprehensive benefits package including tuition assistance and a variety of programs to help team members advance their careers. Goodwill team members also enjoy the satisfaction of working for an organization that’s changing people’s lives for the better.

Staff from Goodwill Job Connection centers will be available to offer interview tips and give information about a whole range of free services available at the centers.

If you have questions, please call Job Connection at 727-282-4478, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. The organization’s successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties in West Central Florida including employment services, training and job placement, a children’s literacy program, affordable apartments for seniors and people with disabilities, and community corrections programs. For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.