shopgoodwill.com, the nation’s first and only nonprofit Internet auction site, is celebrating its 10 years in existence and proving that Goodwill Industries(R) is not only a leader in job placement, but also innovative social enterprise through its use of technology. The charitable auction site, ranked one of the TopTenREVIEWS’ Top 10 online auction sites and Time.com’s “50 Best Websites of 2009,” has created a window into cyberspace, bringing a whole new world of shoppers and donors in contact with Goodwill(R) and its mission of providing job training programs, employment placement services and community programs throughout North America.
Since its launch on August 31, 1999, the site has posted its fifth millionth item, helping to cull $75 million in funds for job training programs for people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience and others having a hard time finding a job. The operation of shopgoodwill.com has opened up new jobs and training opportunities for people who have come to Goodwill looking for skill-building opportunities, including basic computer knowledge and customer service, photo skills, goods processing, and stocking and fulfillment systems.
“The auction items all come from one source with an internationally respected brand name — Goodwill Industries. Security procedures make the site a safe place to bid and buy — it’s like buying something from someone you know,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International(R). “The revenues, as with Goodwill stores, benefit Goodwill Industries, and because 84 percent of it goes directly into job training and other support services for families, shoppers feel good about their purchases.”
There is no fee to sign up or bid on items. All items are collected from the 166 independent Goodwill agencies across North America. More than 30,000 items are for sale at any given item to bidders who visit the site, including music, jewelry, handbags and other apparel, electronics, toys, hardware, furniture, antiques, books, rare paintings, collectibles, and other desirable items. A search function allows site visitors to sort items by seller and browse local available inventory through mobile technology. Some of the more unique items sold include a 1927 Martin 5 K soprano ukulele, a Mercedes and a Bose subwoofer.
“With more than a million page views per day, shopgoodwill.com is an Internet auction site that successfully coexists and functions with the big-name online auctioneers by its 165 categories and subcategories,” said Gibbons.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill(R) generates opportunities for people to achieve economic stability and build strong families and vibrant communities by offering job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges. One of North America’s most recognized nonprofit organizations and a leading social services enterprise, Goodwill Industries International is a network of 183 community-based, independent agencies in the United States, Canada, and 14 other countries. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,300 retail stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation and document imaging and shredding. In 2008, 1.5 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services and more than 172,000 obtained job placement services. Goodwill channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org or call (800) 664-6577.