This Earth Month, we're celebrating the creativity, resourcefulness and everyday choices that make a difference. From secondhand finds to simple reuse ideas, small actions can have a big impact — and we want to see yours.
Join our Earth Month Photo Challenge on Facebook and share how you give items a second life for a chance to win weekly prizes and be entered into our grand prize drawing.
Each week in April, we'll post a new photo prompt on our Facebook page. To participate, simply:
Every entry counts — so the more you join in, the more chances you have to win.
We'll keep things simple and creative. Prompts may include:
There is no need for perfection. We're looking for real-life inspiration.
Prizes include sustainability-themed items such as reusable bags and eco-friendly dinnerware.
April 1 — Earth Month kickoff
Fridays in April — New photo challenges
April 20 — Final day to submit entries
April 22 (Earth Day) — Grand prize winner announced
Look for more April goodness as event details are finalized!
Spring is here, and we're celebrating with a special visit from the Easter Bunny at the Burlington Goodwill Store.
Join us on Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. for a fun, family-friendly afternoon. Bring your camera and stop by for photos with the Easter Bunny. It's a perfect way to capture the season with your family.
Kids can also join our coloring contest, which is separated into two age groups: 6 and under, and ages 6-12. Pick up a coloring sheet in-store and return it by the end of the day on March 28 for a chance to win a prize.
We'll select winners through a random drawing and contact them by phone or email, so be sure to include your contact information on the back of your submissions.
Stop by, join the fun, and celebrate springtime with us!
When you shop at Goodwill of the Heartland, you help power our mission: we help people reach their full potential through education, training, and the power of work.
Your purchases -- along with your donations -- directly support local programs that help people find and keep jobs. In fact, for every dollar spent in our stores, 88 cents goes right back into those programs and services.
At Goodwill of the Heartland, we're committed to being transparent with our shoppers and our communities. You may have noticed a small change when paying with cash at our stores, and we want to explain what's happening and what it means for you.
The U.S. Mint has ended production of the one-cent coin, and pennies are becoming increasingly difficult to source. As supplies diminish nationwide, many retailers – including your local Goodwill Store – must adjust how cash transactions are handled.
At this time, there is no federal guidance outlining how businesses should manage cash transactions without pennies, so retailers are implementing practical, customer-focused solutions.
For cash transactions only, totals are now adjusted up or down to the nearest five cents. This adjustment happens automatically at the register.
You also see signage similar to the image included in this post in our stores explaining this update and offering payment options.
The adjustment applies only to the final total of a cash purchase – not individual items. Sometimes totals round up, and sometimes they round down. Either way, shoppers can see any rounding clearly on their store receipt. Over time, these adjustments are expected to balance out.
If a small overage does occur, those funds support Goodwill's mission: Helping people reach their full potential through education, training and the power of work. That includes programs like Supported Community Living and workforce resources like Helms Career Centers in the communities we serve.
Only about 30 percent of purchases at our stores are paid with cash, and many of those shoppers already choose to Round Up to support our mission. Overall, this change affects a relatively small portion of transactions, but we believe it's important to explain it clearly and openly.
The adjustment allows us to continue providing a smooth checkout experience for all shoppers while remaining responsible stewards of our mission and resources. If you have questions, feel free to reach out through our website, or ask a team member at any of our stores.
Thank you for your understanding – and for supporting Goodwill of the Heartland and the life-changing programs made possible through your donations and purchases.
As we begin 2026, Goodwill of the Heartland celebrates an important environmental milestone: All of our retail locations now operate without single-use plastic shopping bags.
Following months of focused planning and careful rollout that began a few years ago, all Goodwill of the Heartland stores officially stopped offering single-use plastic bags on August 18, 2025. This year marks the first time shoppers across our region experience Goodwill as fully plastic-bag free, but the impact is already clear.
By eliminating single-use plastic shopping bags, Goodwill of the Heartland keeps an estimated 2.5 million plastic bags out of local landfills each year. Those bags no longer enter waterways, green spaces or already stressed waste systems.
This change also strengthens our mission in a practical way. Reducing the purchase of disposable bags saves Goodwill approximately $90,000 annually - funds we can reinvest directly into job training, employment services and community programs across southeastern Iowa and west-central Illinois.
Shopping at Goodwill now looks slightly different at checkout, but the process remains simple:
These small choices create real impact. When shoppers reuse bags, they help reduce waste while supporting a more sustainable shopping experience. That experience reflects Goodwill's core purpose: extending the life of goods while creating opportunity through reuse.
Goodwill of the Heartland helps people reach their full potential through education, training and the power of work. Sustainability directly supports that mission. Every item reused or recycled reduces waste, conserves resources, and strengthens local economies.
By eliminating single-use plastic bags, we align everyday retail operations with long-term environmental and community impact.
Going plastic-bag free marks an important step, but not the finish line. In the coming months, Goodwill of the Heartland will pilot new recycling initiatives focused on responsibly collecting and recycling additional types of post-consumer plastic.
We look forward to sharing more details soon. Our direction remains clear: reduce waste, increase reuse, and build systems that benefit both people and the planet.
Looking toward the year ahead, we're proud to begin with this level of progress and excited to keep moving forward.
At Goodwill of the Heartland, Youth Services isn't just about resumes and interviews. It's about helping young people figure out who they are, what they're good at, and where they might be headed next.
For Mara Bundy, that journey started out earlier than most.
Mara was just 15 years old when she was referred to Goodwill. She was bright, motivated, and academically gifted - so gifted, in fact, that she finished high school at a remarkably young age. It was a huge accomplishment ... and also a challenge.
Because while Mara was ready to work, most employers weren't ready to hire someone under 16.
That's where Goodwill of the Heartland Career Navigator Karey Hagerman came in.
Mara and Karey met weekly - sometimes in a small office, sometimes tucked into a quiet corner of the school library. Their time together was short, squeezed between school schedules, weather cancellations, and an approaching graduation date. But Mara showed up, ready to work.
With support from Goodwill and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Mara practiced interview questions, built confidence, and strengthened soft skills.
"They helped me develop my social skills and interpersonal skills," Mara said. "And overall, they just prepared me to have a job."
The hardest part wasn't her abilities. It was her age.
"You are so well-qualified," Karey would tell her. "You're a great student. How are they not hiring you?"
Mara already knew the answer. "It was always just my age."
Even when nerves kicked in - "I tend to be kind of anxious and overthink," she admitted - Mara kept going. She practiced. She prepared. And she learned one of the most valuable skills of all: persistence.
Karey was there every step o the way, offering steady encouragement and reminders like, "You got this."
Eventually, it paid off.
Mara landed her first job as a pool cashier with the City of Marion - a role that was friendly, flexible, and supportive. It gave her real-world experience with time management and customer interaction, all while leaving room for something else she loves.
That something is crocheting.
"I started crocheting as a hobby in seventh grade," Mara said. "Now that I've just graduated, it's also graduated to more of a passion."
Today, Mara creates detailed crochet pieces in everything from bright, playful colors to rich earth tones. And she's thinking bigger - dreaming about starting her own crochet business, selling at markets, and even taking custom orders.
She's also discovering that Goodwill can help with that, too.
"I would love to get better at making a noticeable social media presence," she said. "I want to make something so that people know me and my work."
Mara is quick to express gratitude for the support she's received.
"I'm really grateful for all the opportunities Goodwill provides," she said, "to help me not only find my first job, but also develop my passion."
Her story is a reminder of what's possible when young people are given encouragement, tools, and someone who believes in them - especially at the very beginning of their journey.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little support ... and a reminder that, yes, you really do got this.
As the winter season arrives and the spirit of giving fills our homes and hearts, Goodwill of the Heartland invites you to be part of something meaningful. Your gently used donations help create real opportunities for people in our local communities who are working to build better futures.
We rely on loyal shoppers and generous donors to provide a variety of free. local programs and services. Every item you donate plays a role in supporting people as they work toward greater independence, dignity and long-term success.
Every sweater, book, household appliance or toy you donate is more than just "used stuff." It's a lifeline! Your gifts fuel programs that empower people to build brighter futures. Through your generosity, we:
In short: When you donate, you don't just clear out your shelves and closets. You spark hope, change lives and build community strength.
This December, your support is more than a holiday gesture. It's a lifelong gift. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps provide training, support and job opportunities for people in our communities.
Thank you for believing in second chances, in community, and in the power of generosity. With your help, we can turn closets into classrooms, old chairs into career seats, and old toys into new hope.
As we approach the holiday season, Goodwill wants to help you plan your shopping and donating trips in advance. Please note these adjusted hours for Goodwill Stores, offices and service centers during the holidays.
Find local contact information for all Goodwill of the Heartland facilities by visiting our locations page. Learn more about the employment and workforce programs and services available at our Helms Career Centers.
We appreciate your continued support throughout the year! Your donations and purchases make it possible for Goodwill to provide job training, employment services and community programs that change lives.
From all of us at Goodwill - Thank You, and Happy Holidays!
If 2026 is your year for growth, skill-building, or a fresh career direction, Goodwill has training opportunities to help you get there. Our January classes for adults over hands-on learning, professional instruction, and that support you need to succeed.
Google IT Professional
January 12 to April 29
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Build a foundation in IT support, troubleshooting, and system administration.
Google Cybersecurity Certificate
January 13 to May 21
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Gain skills related to cybersecurity tools, risk management, and incident response.
Google Data Analytics Certificate
January 13 to May 21
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Learn to collect, organize, and analyze data to support business decisions.
Custodial Technician Certificate
January 5 to February 20
Monday through Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.
Hands-on training in safe, effective, and professional custodial procedures.
Guest Service Professional
January 5 to January 9
Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m.
Develop customer service and communication skills for hospitality and retail roles.
Hospitality Maintenance Technician
January 12 to February 13
Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m.
Learn essential property maintenance skills for jobs in hotels and commercial facilities.
Independent Study (Open Enrollment)
Prefer a more self-paced option? These courses allow you to start and finish on your schedule:
Bobby Diehl
Bobby found Goodwill's free Occupational Skills Training programs and quickly gained needed professional certificates for information technology.
Leslie & Gavin Meerdink
Food certification courses helped Leslie and Gavin launch a new food truck business, The Bagel Shop.
Thomas Houser
Tom needed employment that would allow him to work from home and also allow for potential career growth. After gaining a certificate in social media marketing, he found an opportunity that provides both.
View more participant stories by
visiting our Mission Moments page
or YouTube channel
Learn more about these and all our upcoming course offerings by visiting a Helms Career Center near you, or by requesting a virtual information session through our Get Started With Goodwill online form.
So, go ahead: Start your year with a step toward a stronger future.
We're here to help you succeed in your chosen career.
Spooky season is here, and Goodwill of the Heartland is ready to celebrate! Join us for not one, not two, but three evenings of trunk-or-treating fun across our store locations. These free, family-friendly events are the perfect way to show off your costumes, enjoy some sweet treats, and make memories with your little ghosts and goblins.
Trunk or Treat Costume Party
Sunday, October 26 | 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 165 W Burlington Ave
The Burlington crew is rolling out the welcome mat (and plenty of candy!) for the community’s trunk-or-treaters. Dress up, bring your trick-or-treat bags, and get ready to make the rounds. Safety is a top priority, so please enter and exit the parking lot slowly — our “little pumpkins” will be on the move!
Trunk or Treat Costume Party
Sunday, October 26 | 6–8 p.m.
📍 700 N Grand Ave
The Mount Pleasant Goodwill team is thrilled to host another night of trunk-or-treating fun! Trunks will line the far side of the lot, near the donation drive-up area. Please park in other sections of the lot and drive slowly as you come and go — there will be plenty of excited little monsters dashing about!
Trunk or Treat Costume Party
Sunday, October 26 | 6:30–8 p.m.
📍 2001 Cedar Plaza Dr
The Muscatine Goodwill team is bringing the Halloween spirit back with its annual Trunk or Treat Costume Party! Put on your favorite costume and head to the front parking lot to trick or treat from festively decorated trunks. Be sure to park in the back lot during the event to make space for all the fun. And don’t forget to stop by Delovely’s Delicious Donut Truck for an extra-sweet treat — because Halloween just isn’t complete without a little sugar rush!
Whether you’re a superhero, a witch, or a donut (we’ve seen it all!), Goodwill of the Heartland’s Trunk or Treat events are a great way to celebrate Halloween safely and locally.
Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your sweet tooth; it’s going to be a frightfully good time!
Follow us on Facebook for more events!
🕷️ Join us on Sunday for a night of costumes, candy and community fun! 🕷️
Halloween spirit took center stage on KWQC’s Quad Cities Live when Retail Project Manager Kolbi Jamison and members of the Goodwill of the Heartland team joined the show to showcase how easy (and fun!) it is to create unique costumes using Goodwill finds.
With Halloween just weeks away, Kolbi reminded viewers that there’s still time to pull together something truly one-of-a-kind without breaking the bank. “We save fun, quirky donations all year long knowing they’ll shine during Halloween season,” she said. “You’ll go to your party looking like no one else.”
During the segment, our team members modeled a range of creative looks, including a female Austin Powers and a retro pin-up girl. Team members portrayed a classic vampire, pastel unicorn, hard-core rocker, a purple witch, and even a scary movie villain. Each outfit blended donated treasures with brand-new accessories from Goodwill’s “new goods” program, which offers wigs, hats, and costume extras at a fraction of big-box store prices.
Click image above to view full report on KWQC website
Kolbi also shared that stores across the region have special “decade racks” and themed sections to help shoppers find inspiration fast — whether they’re going for flapper flair, rock-and-roll edge, or witchy glam.
The on-air appearance was a true team effort. A big thank you to all of our talented team members, especially our models and Halloween helpers for their work on the costumes. The entire Goodwill team is the reason we say "Halloween Comes Alive at Goodwill."
Goodwill of the Heartland operates 19 stores across eastern Iowa and western Illinois, including several in or near the Quad Cities: Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Geneseo, Muscatine, Rock Island, and Moline. Check out our locations page to view hours and contact information for all of our stores. Every costume purchase supports Goodwill’s mission to help local people and businesses reach their full potential. It's proof that doing good can also be frightfully fun!
