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Helping to Create Magic in the Community

Halloween is just around the corner and convincing your kids they don’t need that shiny Elsa or Captain America costume is only slightly more difficult than getting someone north of the Mason Dixon to say “Lafayette” correctly. Luckily for Acadiana, Goodwill is a treasure trove and can help you with those costume costs, while giving back to the community. Cristy Ross, with Goodwill Industries of Acadiana shared her Halloween Hints and explained what your support for Goodwill means for Acadiana.

Q. Halloween is just around the corner, does Goodwill do anything special for the Halloween season?

A. “Goodwill opens up our Halloween Boo-tiques in Mid-September and stocks it full of new accessories. These promotional sections of the store, help to showcase the brand new items that pair well with our donated goods. This helps you to create a one of a kind look for Halloween or even Homecoming festivities. We also have Costume Coordinators in-store who can help you find the most unique look.”

Q. Does Goodwill offer other things besides costumes for Halloween?

A. “Absolutely, our website offers some ideas on DIY Halloween decorating projects. You can often find the needed items in many of our stores.”

Q. Goodwill Industries of Acadiana has a mission to Connect  people to “good jobs, good homes, and good families.” What makes the Goodwill organization in Acadiana special?

A. “As with any Goodwill, a bag of donated items can transform someone’s life. When you donate here in Acadiana, those items are processed and put right into our stores. When those items are sold, the money from those sales goes into the free programs that we provide throughout Acadiana.”

Q. Does shopping at Goodwill help people here in Acadiana?

A. “Most Definitely! We operate based on what is best in our local area. The services provided are a direct result of what is needed in our communities. We are grateful that we can offer a hand up to those who need assistance.”

Q. Goodwill helps fund free community programs, such as: Crisis Assistance, Employment Services, Supported Employment, HiSET, and Independent Living. What do these programs mean for Acadiana?

A. “These programs mean that Goodwill is a committed member of the community. We help those who need housing through our Independent Living Opportunities for the elderly and disabled; as well as help those who have experienced a tragedy such as a house fire through our Crisis Assistance program. 

HiSET preparation classes help those looking to finish their high school education, and Employment Services provide help with: resumes and cover letter writing, work readiness, career assessment, and job lead assistance. We also offer the Supported Employment Program, which assists people with disabilities to find employment, and we continue to work with them for ongoing support. Our programs are designed to help someone in any stage of life.

Q. Some of Goodwill’s donations are items that might ordinarily end up being thrown away, what role do you think Goodwill plays in keeping Acadiana beautiful?

A. “Known as the ‘Original Recycler’, Goodwill nationwide keeps 24 million pounds of reusable goods out of landfills every year. Donating and shopping can definitely be part of your efforts in keeping Acadiana beautiful.”

     Goodwill services are self-sustained by funding primarily generated through the sale of donated goods in retail stores. Goodwill services help to empower the Acadiana community to be the best it can be. For more information about Goodwill or its programs, visit www.lagoodwill.com,  like us on Facebook and Twitter, or call (337) 261-5811.