March 23, 2020 – Goodwill of the Heartland stores are currently closed due to COVID-19 and for the health and safety of our workers and the public.  This includes 14 Iowa locations and 3 Illinois locations.  For a complete list of stores, visit: https://www.goodwillheartland.org/locations/

The following is a statement from Vice President of Marketing, Mindy Kayser:

“We truly appreciate the generous community support that we receive and we strive to maximize the value of every item donated to us.  For this reason, we ask that people not leave donations outside in the elements while our stores are closed.  We currently have no employees to service donations.

Donations left outside of our stores could pile up becoming a public nuisance.  These donations would be unusable if exposed to the elements.  They could also potentially attract trespassers to our property and pose a health and safety risk.  Unattended donations are also a significant financial burden to our organization.  We would have to pay to dispose of these items during a period in which our resources are already strained.

We understand that there are many people at home right now looking for things to do and that cleaning and organizing has become a popular pastime.  We encourage our donors to still go ahead and clean out the closets and cupboards, the basement, the garage, that toy room; but ask that they temporarily store their donations for us.  Once this crisis is behind us, we will need those donations more than ever.

Goodwill of the Heartland relies on donated goods to stock our stores and fund our mission – advancing the social and economic wellbeing of people who experience barriers to independence.  Helping people to get and keep jobs is at the heart of our mission.  When this is all over, there will be an overwhelming community need for our employment services.  Our goal is to be a leader in getting people back to work after this crisis has passed.”

For more information or media inquiries, contact:
Mindy Kayser
mkayser@goodwillheartland.org
VP of Marketing
Goodwill of the Heartland

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About Goodwill of the Heartland

The mission of Goodwill of the Heartland is to advance the social and economic well-being of people who experience barriers to independence.  Goodwill offers life and job skill development, work experience, job placement assistance, day habilitation, supported community living, workforce services to employers and contract manufacturing, assembly and packaging.  In 2019, Goodwill provided more than 20,000 services to people with barriers in its 19-county service area.  For more information, including retail, donation and service locations, please visit https://www.goodwillheartland.org/