What a great day we had with United Way’s Summer Learn and Lead (SLL) students! The group learned how donations to Goodwill turn into training for someone who needs a job. The students couldn’t believe [Read more…] about Students Learn How Donations Turn into Job Training
Goodwill Does What?!?!? -KOHLS
Welcome back! As you may know, my goal is to educate and excite you about all that Goodwill does for our community and what it can possibly do for you and/or your business. If this is the first blog you have read in this series, please feel free to see how it all got started from my first entry here.
All bu
sinesses have small parts of their operation that go largely unnoticed by the public. Millions of people shop at KOHLS and likely take the distribution chain for granted. So how do all of the items get from various distribution centers to your local KOHLS to be put on the sales floor? Tote boxes! These same boxes are then reused to send hangers from sold garments back to the distribution centers.
Horizon Goodwill partners with KOHLS through a 3rd party to provide the assembly of these boxes. Last year we assembled over 35,000 of these totes! This work gives our clients job experience working on a team as several individuals work together to complete each box. Not only is this job physically demanding work, it also involves training on machinery. Learning how to work with machines improves job readiness for future opportunities that our clients may engage in in the competitive workforce.
So the next time you are at a KOHLS register and you see a hanger tossed into a cardboard tote, think about Goodwill and the job training that we perform daily to help individuals remove barriers to employment.
Thanks for reading! Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments regarding the blog or what our Business Services division can do for you! bmarks@goodwill-hgi.org
Free Computer Recycling by Goodwill
Recycle the computer equipment you no longer need at Goodwill for free!
http://www.horizongoodwill.org/donate/free-computer-recycling/
Goodwill Does What?!?! Part 7
Welcome back! As you may know, my goal is to educate and excite you about all that Goodwill does for our community and what it can possibly do for you and/or your business! If this is the first blog you have read in this series, please feel free to see how it all got started from my first entry here.
This week I will be discussing a business partner that plays a vital role in Hagerstown’s cultural scene, the Maryland Theatre!
Built in 1915, this landmark has been an integral part of our area’s history. Growing up I enjoyed many plays and concerts here and was always fascinated by the detailed architecture. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra has regular performances at this venue and I have had the pleasure of watching my girls perform ballet recitals on this stage. Always nostalgic and always beautiful, the Maryland Theatre is a gem.
With thousands of patrons passing through the door each week, you can imagine the need for a top notch cleaning crew and that is where Horizon Goodwill comes in! Prior to the musicians, actors, and patrons entering the Maryland Theatre our crew makes sure that it is in showcase condition. There is a high need for attention to detail and to track an ever-changing schedule. This provides our team with an opportunity develop professionally and adapt quickly to changing client needs. It is a great space and our team takes great pride in keeping it beautiful!
Thanks for reading! Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments regarding the blog or what our Business Services division can do for you! bmarks@goodwill-hgi.org
How to Transform an “Almost Right” Purchase into a Fabulous Fashion Find!
We all have pieces of clothing that we bought, that we LOVED at the time… [Read more…] about How to Transform an “Almost Right” Purchase into a Fabulous Fashion Find!
Horizon Goodwill Industries Reduces Energy Costs Over Eighty Percent by Investing in a LED Lighting Campaign
Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) has begun an initiative to convert to energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and associated fixtures as part of an investment in energy savings, greenhouse gas emission reductions and to enhance customer and employee safety. CEO, John McCain said, “The first phase of the initiative was completed in February 2016 at the MacLean Career Development Center in Hagerstown. By reducing energy consumption, this conversion is expected to save more than $32,771 or 84% of the current estimated energy costs for lighting the facility annually.”
Also, automatic motion sensors were installed on most fixtures to reduce further energy in areas of intermittent activity. Since LED lights have a lifespan of approximately 15 years, savings will also be realized through reduced maintenance requirements.
This program continues HGI’s commitment to sustainability and resource stewardship. Conserving energy by utilizing LED fixtures in all of their owned buildings compliments existing sustainability efforts that include the processing and resale of donated goods, recycling and e-cycling, and salvage programs already in place.
The project is expected to save approximately 356,209-kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, equivalent to annually providing electricity for 32 homes. Over a ten year period, the conversion is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 26,710 metric tons, equal to taking 479 cars off the road. Additionally, all existing metal halide, fluorescent, and incandescent fixtures, ballasts, and lamps were recycled to the fullest extent possible to minimize landfill waste.
Later this year, a second phase will convert all lighting fixtures at two additional locations in Cumberland, MD. Estimates for this phase of the project predict additional annual utility savings of $32,925 and 332,575 kWh. Also, the Hagerstown-South End shopping center will receive LED lighting when a new store location opens in fall 2016.
Horizon Goodwill collaborated with kW Efficiency of Frederick, MD on the conversion. HGI expects to invest $114,648 in capital funding to complete both phases and will leverage $35,942 in non-profit grants and an estimated $118,000 in rebates from Potomac Edison for the conversion. HGI also received a grant from the Ferguson Electric Foundation of $20,000. The annual utility savings are expected to pay for the cost of the new fixtures within three years.
HGI serves people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia and can support needs that could otherwise go unmet in local communities. Goodwill’s vision is helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.