Goodwill Hawaii recently formed a partnership with the YMCA of Honolulu to open donation centers at the Mililani, Nu‘uanu and Kalihi branches. Goodwill is in need of donations of gently used clothing and household goods to support its workforce development and placement programs that serve more than 10,000 people in Hawaii each year.
“We are grateful to the YMCA of Honolulu for this opportunity to connect with their members and other new potential donors in these three great neighborhoods,” said Goodwill Hawaii president and CEO Katy Chen. “These new donation locations will allow us to respond to the growing need for more job training and employment services as people are returning to the workforce as the pandemic subsides.”
Since last year, Goodwill has helped thousands of people statewide get the training, education and support services they need to get back to work. Goodwill’s programs are supported by the sale of community donations in its thrift stores. Ninety percent of the revenue generated in Goodwill’s thrift stores goes back into its programs that help low-income families, people transitioning out of incarceration, adults with disabilities, at-risk youth, immigrants and others with employment barriers.
“We’re pleased to partner with Goodwill Hawaii as their mission aligns with our core values of strengthening the community through programs and services that meet the critical needs of Hawaii’s people” said Greg Waibel, president and CEO of the YMCA of Honolulu. “Especially at a time when people continue to face the social and economic burdens from the pandemic, we’re committed to connecting our participants and members to services and resources that benefit their well-being, whether at the Y or other organizations like Goodwill.”
The YMCA of Honolulu serves more than 100,000 people each year through programs and services that enhance youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in communities across the state. Since the pandemic began and the need for youth and teen programs increased, the Y has stepped up to assist youth and families with almost $1,000,000 in financial assistance to participate in many YMCA programs and services.
For more information about Goodwill Hawaii, visit GoodwillHawaii.org. For more information about the YMCA of Honolulu, visit YMCAHonolulu.org.
