Horizon Goodwill Can Do What?

Moving is never fun, but moving out of state can be downright brutal!  After decades of living in Pittsburgh, PA, the company I helped create was sold to a competitor, which, in a way, was a blessing in disguise.  See, since I was a teenager, I had always wanted to make a living as a writer.  That’s not to say writing wasn’t part of my job description within my last business, but those duties were more out of necessity as no one else had the inclination to create employee handbooks or year-end reports. Of course I also performed what I like to call “hobby writing”, that is, rather than playing golf or going fishing, I found relaxation in front of a monitor and just, well, writing!

I literally felt like I hit the lottery when I was offered a writing position with an amazing new employer here in Hagerstown, MD.  Imagine; being paid to do what you love!  I couldn’t wait to get started, even offering to commute until my family was ready for the big move.

My First Assignment, Meeting With Goodwill Industries®

One of my first assignments was to meet with Horizon Goodwill Industries.  After a bit of a struggle with an uncooperative GPS, and some courteous help from Goodwill employees at the donation processing facility, I was directed to the offices at 14515 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Greeted by Deb Carbaugh, Manager of Marketing & Community Relations for Horizon Goodwill Industries, I quickly realized what I thought I knew about this amazing organization wouldn’t even fill the proverbial thimble. Talk about an eye opening experience!  Deb’s passion and commitment to Goodwill was contagious.  It’s a very unique experience when you can actually feel yourself becoming inspired, fueled by another person’s passion. She was quick to point out that everyone involved with Horizon Goodwill was just as dedicated as her in advancing the exposure and scope of what Goodwill is capable of.

I have to admit, I was a bit embarrassed by my ignorance sitting across the table from Deb that day. I had no idea of the true scope and potential of this incredible nonprofit organization.  Like so many others, I thought Goodwill was simply a place to donate unwanted clothes and household items. This simple act of giving away your stuff benefits….someone, right?  Well, yes, of course, but that’s not all Goodwill Industries is about.

Goodwill Is More Than Donations

Here’s just a small sample of what I learned that day:

• Horizon Goodwill Industries has been helping disabled and disadvantaged individuals for over 59 years.
• Much more than clothing can be donated.  They even accept unwanted vehicles!
• Proceeds from goods donated, among other things, find real people real jobs.
• Instead of paying to dispose of your old computer equipment, Horizon Goodwill is able to recycle these items—at no charge.
• There is an entire range of business solutions provided including Document Shredding Solutions, Custodial Services, Mailing Services, and a variety of Special Services, just to name a few!

How Can I Spread The Word About Horizon Goodwill?

On my drive back to Pittsburgh that weekend, I couldn’t stop thinking about the passion Deb and her co-workers displayed regarding their desire to help the community.  It was now my obligation to spread the word; to educate as many people as I could about what Goodwill was really all about. How I was going to do this, however, was yet to be determined.

That Saturday I spent the afternoon performing yard work and chatting with the neighborhood Dad’s about the usual things: baseball, our kids, how hard it is to keep our wives off of our backs and the “Elephant in the Room”; the fact that my family would soon be moving.

Chris, my next-door neighbor chimed in: “Moving stinks! You know what you should do? Take all the stuff you don’t want to drag down to Hagerstown, throw it my truck and we drop it off at Goodwill downtown.”

I smiled. Here it was, my opportunity to educate the public at a real, well-manicured, grass roots level.

“Guys, I don’t think you realize, donations are important to Goodwill, but that’s like, literally, only the tip of the iceberg of what they do to help improve the community.”

For the next hour, I captivated the neighborhood Dad Squad with my facts, information and figures regarding what Goodwill is really all about. I could have kept talking, but my wife was calling from the house with more to do on the weekend chore list.  As I turned to see what tasks were so important they had to be completed right now, Chris yelled across the yard: “Hey, John, why don’t you write about all of those cool things Goodwill does, let everyone know about it?”

I smiled. Now that sounded like a plan.  Each week, right here, I am going to detail just one of these amazing services provide by your local Horizon Goodwill. My personal goal is to educate the public about the misconceptions of Goodwill Industries one topic, and one reader at a time.