Press Releases | Goodwill Industries Suncoast

Goodwill Offering Free Tax Assistance to Help Workers Claim Their Full Refunds

Appointments available starting Feb. 15

Millions of workers overlook important federal tax benefits because they simply don’t know about them. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) can make a real difference for workers who struggle to make ends meet.

Goodwill’s Job Connection Centers are collaborating with the United Way to offer FREE tax preparation services in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to help people access these benefits. These services will be available, by appointment, the following dates for people with annual household incomes less than $66,000.

Appointments available:
At the Goodwill Job Connection Center inside the Goodwill store at 10739 Big Bend Rd., Riverview.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week, Feb.15 through April 9, plus Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday March 6.

And at the Goodwill Job Connection Center inside the Goodwill store at 2550 34^th St. N., St. Petersburg.
Tuesday and Thursday each week, Feb.16 through April 8, plus Friday March 12 and Saturday Feb. 27.

To make an appointment, visit https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/what-we-do/income/free-tax-help/

For additional information or to learn how to book an appointment, call Job Connection, St. Petersburg 727-321-7337, Riverview 813-302-9405.

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.

Goodwill-Suncoast2021-02-10T08:15:20-05:00February 10th, 2021|

Visit the Spooky Kooky Candy Chute!

Visit the Spooky Kooky Candy Chute!

Goodwill invites little ghouls & goblins to celebrate Halloween safely

This Halloween, each Goodwill-Suncoast store will have a new trick – and treats – to help children celebrate Halloween safely and sweetly!

Visit any one of Goodwill’s retail store locations between 10 a.m. – 12 noon on Oct. 31and look for the Spooky Kooky Candy Chute near the store entrance. The frightfully delightful trick will deliver prepackaged treats straight to your little pumpkins – via a contact-free, socially-distanced Candy Chute.

Little ghouls and goblins are encouraged to come in costume, but if you’re still searching for the perfect look you’re sure to find it in Goodwill’s Planet Halloween section. Don’t be afraid to step inside! You’ll find all sorts of new grab-and-go costumes, accessories and make-up as well as an array of donated clothing to ensure your costume screams creativity! Highly trained Boo Crew staff will help get you in the spirit.

Don’t drag your feet! The Spooky Kooky Candy Chute will operate only until supplies die out.

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-Suncoast2020-10-28T09:32:07-04:00October 27th, 2020|

Goodwill Thanks Veterans and Active Duty Military with 25% Off Goodwill Purchases Nov. 7-11

Goodwill Thanks Veterans and Active Duty Military with 25% Off Goodwill Purchases Nov. 7-11

In honor of Veterans Day Nov. 11, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. has designated Nov. 7-11 as Veterans and Military Appreciation Days. During that time, veterans and active-duty military personnel will receive a 25% discount on their entire purchases at Goodwill-Suncoast retail stores. They just need to show a valid military or veteran’s ID at the checkout.

“This is a small way of thanking the men and women in uniform who have served our country and protected our freedoms,” said Goodwill-Suncoast President and CEO Deborah A. Passerini.

For Goodwill-Suncoast store locations, visit https://goodwill-suncoast.org/store-locations/

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 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-Suncoast2020-10-27T09:11:42-04:00October 23rd, 2020|

Goodwill Partners with VFW Auxiliary to Collect Clothes for Veterans

Goodwill Partners with VFW Auxiliary to Collect Clothes for Veterans
Please donate at Goodwill stores in Pinellas County Sept. 1-30

St. PETERSBURG, FLA. – To supply items needed by local veterans, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is partnering with VFW Auxiliary SPC Zachary > Shannon Memorial Post 2550 with VFW Auxiliary SPC Zachary L Shannon Memorial Post 2550 for a clothing drive at Pinellas County Goodwill stores Sept. 1-30.

“Clothing Drive for Veterans” collection boxes will be available inside Goodwill stores in Pinellas Country as well as at store donation doors. Donated clothing will be given to veterans served through the Social Services Department of Bay Pines Healthcare System.

The following items are desperately needed:

New T-shirts, sizes small to XXL
New underwear, sizes small to large
New socks
Gently used or new men’s gym or casual shorts, waist sizes 32”-38”
Gently used or new men’s athletic shoes, sizes 8-12, including half sizes

Donations can be dropped off during store hours at the following Goodwill stores:
10596 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg
2550 34^th Street, St. Petersburg
16494 U.S. Hwy 19 N., Clearwater
1460 Missouri Ave. N, Largo
3929 Tampa Rd., Oldsmar

About the VFW Auxiliary
Since 1914, the VFW Auxiliary has united Americans from all walks of life with a common purpose: Honoring our mission to serve Veterans. To improve the lives of veterans, active-duty service members and their families, and our communities.

About Goodwill-Suncoast

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties in West Central Florida including employment services, 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-Suncoast2020-08-24T13:10:02-04:00August 22nd, 2020|

Goodwill St. Petersburg Outlet Store Reopening July 15

Goodwill St. Petersburg Outlet Store Reopening July 15
The store will open with more product and increased hours

The St. Petersburg Outlet Store operated by Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. will reopen July 15 after closing in April due to Covid-19. The store is located at Goodwill’s headquarters complex at 10596 Gandy Blvd, next to a Goodwill retail store and business offices. It will reopen with the increased hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., seven days a week. Measures will be in place to follow CDC safety guidelines and masks are required.

The wildly popular outlet is where “extreme thrifters” can purchase items by the pound that didn’t sell in Goodwill retail stores. Goodwill outlet stores in Lakeland and Ocala, which also closed in April, will not reopen. Merchandise from those locations will instead be available at the St. Petersburg outlet.

The outlet store is an important component of Goodwill’s commitment to sustainability – each year the organization collects millions of pounds of donations and about 85% of those items are reused or recycled.

Goodwill-Suncoast retail stores reopened in May with reduced hours, listed below.

Goodwill-Suncoast retail store hours

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday

These hours may be further modified as community impact of the COVID-19 virus unfolds, so please check www.goodwill-suncoast.org for the most current hours and store and donation center information.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 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-Suncoast2020-07-09T10:36:48-04:00July 9th, 2020|

Goodwill Offering Virtual Job Services and Google IT Certification Scholarship

Site launches with full scholarships for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program!

Goodwill-Suncoast is offering virtual job services to help as many job seekers as possible at this time of record unemployment. The services are available at a new website, www.myjobconnection.org and complement Goodwill’s in-store, in-person Job Connection Center assistance. The virtual components were created to help as many job seekers as possible due to the unemployment crisis and social distancing resulting from the Covid-19 virus.

After creating a simple account, job seekers will find up-to-date information on community services to help them navigate issues related to unemployment, as well as tools and resources to augment job searches and employment skills. The site contains access to job boards, resume templates and available online certification courses to help increase employability. The website has a live chat portal that allows Goodwill employment specialists to assist with resume development and other needs. Live chat is available Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Google Scholarships Available

For a limited time, Goodwill-Suncoast is offering full scholarships to IT training developed by Google for applicants age 18 and older. Those completing the five-course curriculum will earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, a credential that can help job seekers land one of 150,000 unfilled IT support jobs across the country. As an added bonus, there is also the option to add a stackable credential in programming and IT automation. To apply, anyone interested can login to the My Job Connection website and visit the “Online Training – Certifications” tab. More information about the scholarship is available by calling 727-282-4478 or emailing jobconnection@goodwill-suncoast.com.

For individuals seeking in-person services or access to computers, Job Connection centers are located inside Goodwill stores at 2550 34^th Street in St. Petersburg and at 10739 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. The job centers are open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Services are also available by calling 727-282-4478 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday.

Social distancing measures are in place at the Job Connection centers to ensure everyone’s safety. Computer stations are 6 feet apart and they are sanitized after each use. The number of job seekers inside the centers at any one time is also limited.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 Job Connection centers, employment services 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 goodwill-suncoast.org.

Goodwill-Suncoast2020-05-27T16:17:59-04:00May 27th, 2020|

Goodwill Collects More Than Two Tons of Food for People in Need

Goodwill would like to thank everyone who donated during the recent food drive for people in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Generous donors dropped off 4,507 lbs of nonperishable food at Goodwill stores and donation centers in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties during a food drive from April 15-30. The donations will help supply Feeding Tampa Bay’s community outreach programs, which are experiencing an unprecedented number of food requests during this time of record unemployment.

To find food assistance available through Feeding Tampa Bay, visit http://feedingtampabay.org/find-a-pantry/

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties in West Central Florida including training and job placement for people with barriers to employment, 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-Suncoast2020-05-11T15:56:16-04:00May 11th, 2020|

Goodwill Reopening Stores and Job Centers Starting May 1

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is reopening stores and job centers starting May 1 to assist people who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and offer value shopping options for people in West Central Florida.

The reopening dates for Goodwill-Suncoast stores are listed below. For store addresses, visit goodwill-suncoast.org/store-locations/. The stores will be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday for shoppers and to accept donations.

Opening May 1: Trinity; Spring Hill; Crystal River and Ocala
Opening May 2: Oldsmar; Hwy 301, Tampa; Riverview; Ruskin; Wesley Chapel; Plant City; Lakeland; Winter Haven; Clearwater; Sebring; Oxford (The Villages)
Opening May 3: Brandon
Opening May 4: 34^th Street, St. Pete; Gandy Blvd., St. Pete.; Largo
The store on Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa will reopen after renovations are complete and outlet stores will reopen at a later date.

Job Connection centers inside the Riverview and St. Pete 34th Street Goodwill stores will reopen the same dates as their host stores. Services at the job centers include help with resume development, connections with companies that are hiring, and access to computers and the internet. Please check goodwill-suncoast.org/job-connection-center/ for hours of operation.

To ensure the safety of our customers and associates, Goodwill is strictly following CDC guidelines for physical distancing and maintaining occupancy of 25% or less in its stores. Goodwill has implemented safety measures including sanitizing frequent touch points throughout the day; frequently sanitizing shopping carts; establishing one-way traffic in store aisles; and providing team members with face masks. Acrylic “sneeze guards” between cashiers and customers are also being installed in all stores. In the job centers, computer stations have been reconfigured to be 6 feet apart and they will be sanitized after each use. The number of job seekers inside the centers at any one time will be limited. For a more complete list of safety measures, visit goodwill-suncoast.org/safety/.

Goodwill depends on the revenue from stores to fund Job Connection centers and other services to the community. As a self-funded social service organization, Goodwill collects donated items and sells them in its stores to people seeking affordable household goods and clothing. In the process, your local Goodwill keeps tons of items out of landfills and employs more than 1,000 people. As families face layoffs and an uncertain future, Goodwill’s job services and the stores that fund them will be more vital than ever in helping people rebuild their lives.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 Job Connection centers assisting people with all types of barriers to employment, a children’s literacy program, affordable apartment communities for seniors and people with disabilities, and community corrections programs. For more information, visit goodwill-suncoast.org.

Goodwill-Suncoast2020-05-01T15:45:34-04:00May 1st, 2020|

Unemployment Applications Available at Goodwill Stores in Pasco and Hernando Counties

To assist people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast is partnering with CareerSource Pasco Hernando to distribute paper unemployment applications at its stores in Pasco and Hernando counties. The Unemployment applications are available at the donation drive-through lanes of Goodwill stores during current donation hours – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. The applications will be available on a self-service basis, to maintain social distancing.

Goodwill stores are at the following locations in Pasco and Hernando counties:

11462 SR 54, Trinity 34655
2370 Willow Oak Dr., Wesley Chapel 33544 (SR 56, east of I-75)
4750 Commercial Way, Spring Hill 34606

The completed applications can be printed and mailed for free at any FedEx location. To find the nearest FedEx location, follow this link: https://local.fedex.com/en-us/fl/.

Goodwill stores are currently closed but are still accepting donations 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. Donation receipts are available.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 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-Suncoast2020-04-21T14:42:55-04:00April 21st, 2020|

Unemployment Applications Available at Goodwill Stores

Paper applications now available at stores in Pasco and Hernando County

To assist people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast is partnering with CareerSource Pasco Hernando to distribute paper unemployment applications at its stores in Pasco and Hernando counties.

Unemployment applications are available at the donation drive-through lanes of Goodwill stores during current donation hours – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. The applications will be available on a self-service basis, to maintain social distancing.

Goodwill stores are at the following locations in Pasco and Hernando counties:

11462 SR 54, Trinity 34655
2370 Willow Oak Dr., Wesley Chapel 33544 (SR 56, east of I-75)
4750 Commercial Way, Spring Hill 34606

The completed applications can be printed and mailed for free at any FedEx location. To find the nearest FedEx location, follow this link: https://local.fedex.com/en-us/fl/.

Goodwill stores are currently closed but are still accepting donations 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. Donation receipts are available.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast 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 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-Suncoast2020-04-17T16:15:33-04:00April 17th, 2020|

Goodwill Partners with VFW Auxiliary to Collect Clothes for Veterans Please donate at Goodwill stores in Pinellas County Sept. 1-30

Goodwill St. Petersburg Outlet Store Reopening July 15 The store will open with more product and increased hours

Goodwill Partners with VFW Auxiliary to Collect Clothes for Veterans
Please donate at Goodwill stores in Pinellas County Sept. 1-30

Goodwill St. Petersburg Outlet Store Reopening July 15
The store will open with more product and increased hours