Thieves caught on camera are stealing and looting items left at closed Goodwill donation centers. Stealing donated goods is a crime and destroys the promise of donations transforming into free programs and services for New Mexicans. Donors can help by holding their drop-offs until stores and their donation centers reopen.
 
Goodwill is abiding by the recent mandate from Governor Lujan, closing all non-essential business. But the generous donations keep coming. Shauna Kastle, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico says, “You can imagine how grateful we are for the community’s support at this time! But now we have to plead for donors to stop. We hope the community will understand what’s happening and help us prevent theft by holding items until we are permitted to reopen.
 
As a partner in your community for 79 years, Goodwill remains committed to advancing our mission to provide skills training, job development, and social services to New Mexicans. Our commitment is genuine now during these difficult times and will continue to be in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Thank you for your continued support of Goodwill and all those served! 

Watch as the thief below takes box after box of donations! 

We are abiding by the recent mandate from Governor Lujan, closing all non-essential businesses. But the generous donations keep coming. Donors are being asked to hold their drop-offs until stores and their donation centers reopen. 
 
Shauna Kastle, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico says, “You can imagine how grateful we are for the community’s support at this time! But now we have to plead for donors to stop dropping-off items. We hope the community will understand what’s happening and help us by holding drop-offs until we are permitted to reopen. We know the public wants their donations to be used toward funding free programs and services for New Mexicans and not to be subject to loss or damage.”
 
We understand people are in the midst of spring cleaning, and while working from home, they may be re-organizing their space. So, we will be ready to happily accept drop-off donations as soon our organization is back in operation. As a partner in the community for 79 years, Goodwill remains committed to advancing our mission to provide skills training, job development, and social services to New Mexicans. Our commitment is genuine now during these difficult times and will continue to be in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Thank you for your continued support of Goodwill and all those served! 

We have published a great list of resources available in the following communities: Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Los Lunas, Santa Fe, Clovis, Roswell, Gallup and Farmington. We hope this information helps if you are experiencing a need that is not served by one of our nine free programs. If you want to learn more about Goodwill's free programs and services visit the "Who We Help" page.

Click on image for complete list

We have temporarily suspended all group activities including training, classes and job fairs in response to state and federal requirements for social distancing.  As our communities work together to keep you and your family safe, we would like to reassure you that your health and well-being are top priorities for us as well. As a mission-based nonprofit organization, Goodwill cares deeply for the program participants we serve, and the many donors, shoppers, employees that allow us to help others in our communities every day.

To those we serve through our mission and programs, we are very mindful of your health and well-being. It is our top priority. We continue to work hard to find solutions to provide the services you need while maintaining a healthy, safe environment.
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We have communicated to our employees regarding preventative practices and preparedness plans. Our employees are using CDC recommended handwashing health, and we are actively cleaning all common areas.

We also continue to keep a close watch on the evolving situation and the guidance provided by the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and state and local governments.

As a partner for more than 78 years, we remain committed to continuing our mission of helping people facing challenges build skills, find jobs, and grow their careers. This is true now during these difficult times as well as in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Thank you in advance for your patience as we determine how best to continue serving our communities, our employees, and you.

Flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears are always a great way to show your valentine some love, but making something from scratch is even better! By getting a few inexpensive items from your local Goodwill, you can create something thoughtful and creative! Try this Kids DIY Valentine's Day Ornament!
 
What you'll need:

• A 100 piece puzzle – find one Goodwill for less than 99 cents!
• Scissors
• White, Red, and Pink Paint
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Thread or Twine
• A piece of white paper

 
 
You will need both the box lid and bottom to create your cardboard frame. Hold them together as you cut out a heart-shaped frame. When you're done, you should have two matching cardboard frames. You want the frame to measure about 5" x 5". Next, paint 25 puzzle pieces red, 25 white, and 25 pink. Once all the pieces are fully dry, you can begin hot gluing each one to the heart-shaped frame. Stagger each piece on the frame and try to keep colors separate from each other.
 
Once all pieces are glued and dried, turn the decorated frame over and glue the twin frame on the back.  Lastly, create a paper ribbon by cutting out a 1-inch thick rectangle with a length that's a little bit bigger than the width of your heart frame. Fold each end of the paper and cut out a triangle at each end to create that ribbon look. In red marker, write your love note on the ribbon and glue both ends to each side of the heart frame. And ta' da! You have a cute handmade valentine's gift!

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit. In 2019, we were able to serve over 20,000 New Mexicans because the donation volume was very healthy. But right now we need help! Our ability to reach another 20,000 New Mexicans with free programs and services, in 2020, is entirely dependent on the community’s response to this donation plea.  The need is urgent. The best time for donating is today through the end of January.
 
What happens to these donations? They fund our free programs and services. A single bag of donations can fund one hour of free job skills training or job placement assistance to an unemployed New Mexican! Donors are truly making a tremendous contribution to the community. And it’s why we say, “Every donation changes lives!”
 
What type of items can be donated?
 
•    Clothing/Shoes                                •    Handbags/Accessories                  •   Holiday decorations           
•    Jewelry                                              •    Furniture                                          •   E-waste      
•    Home Décor/Artwork                     •    Housewares/Linens                       •   Exercise equipment
•    Small Kitchen Appliances               •    Electronics                                       •   Toys
 
 
Goodwill has been serving New Mexicans for 78 years and currently offers nine free programs and services. 2020 indicators point to an increased need for veteran housing, specialized social services, skills training, and job placement for New Mexicans. This anticipated need is the motivation behind our donation plea.
 
Goodwill makes donating as easy as possible by offering home pick-up across the metro and Rio Rancho, and 15 donation centers across the state. To find out if you are in a home-pickup zone or to locate the Goodwill donation center nearest to you visit www.goodwillnm.org.
 
Please be one of the generous donors who respond to this urgent plea!  

2020 is here! And you may be thinking of all the changes you would like to make this year. One easy change to make is decluttering! It only takes a few minutes to identify unwanted items in your home.
Here are the top 6 unwanted items to donate today:

1. Christmas decorations – Do you have these lying around right now?
2. Clothes - If you haven't worn it in the past six months, pass it on.
3. Home décor - If it doesn't bring you joy, donate it.
4. Old electronics – Grab this chance to purge! We take all e-waste, including cords.
5. Cookware – A great excuse to clean out the kitchen cabinets.
6. Toys – If you have children, we are sure this requires no explanation.   

 
All of these items and more can be dropped at the nearest Goodwill donation center! Our donation attendants will help you unload your vehicle. Home pickups are also available! Check here to find out if your zip code is in a service zone.  
Decluttering feels good. But changing lives feels amazing! Did you know that every donation generates revenue to fund our nine free programs and services? Your donations help homeless veterans, veteran families, and enable New Mexicans to secure community employment, and gain access to social services! That's why donating is a great way to begin the new year. 

What makes a Thanksgiving table complete? Not only turkey, mashed potatoes, and loved ones but also a great centerpiece! Simple decorations will make your meal more festive and memorable. And your favorite New Mexico Goodwill store offers perfect décor items! With just a little bit of creativity, you can wow your guests with holiday table decor that doesn’t break the bank. Try this affordable DIY centerpiece idea!

Pumpkin Patch Candleholders
What you’ll need:

• Three wine glasses
• Inexpensive craft paint: orange, yellow, brown
• Inexpensive craft paint brushes
• Small piece of sponge or old rag
• Fall foliage (artificial or real)
• One of the following: glue, string, tape or floral wire
• Clear gloss finishing spray (optional)

 
At your local Goodwill, purchase a few wine glasses. Three would be best and in varying sizes. Paint the goblet of each wine glass orange to create a pumpkin and paint the wine glass stem and base brown. Add a few stripes of brown and yellow to the orange area to represent the natural features of a pumpkin. If you really want to capture a natural look, use the sponge or rag to stipple the stripes on gently. As an optional step, spray fully dry glasses with a clear gloss finishing spray.  Next, keeping the glasses upside down, add foliage where the goblet and stem meet. Leaves and wispy twigs are good choices and can be secured using hot glue, clear tape, string or floral wire. Finally, place a small votive candle on the upturned base. You’ll have created an inexpensive and beautiful handmade centerpiece!

 This Halloween, Goodwill® is partnering with MGM Studios for the release of The Addams Family, coming to theaters October 11.

​The story finds all our favorite Addams characters facing off against Margaux Needler, a reality television star, obsessed with the idea of "perfection." The movie follows the Addamses as they move away from New Jersey and into suburbia. And while their eccentricities are entertaining to many of the locals, Mrs. Needler isn't amused and launches a campaign to drive them out her idyllic neighborhood.

Some of us remember, The Addams Family, was originally a New Yorker cartoon by Charles Addams which appeared in the publication for an astounding 50 years!  The iconic Addams family has been adapted into many mediums including the beloved '90s TV series, films, and even a Broadway musical. And now, the animated movie prepares to become every kid's kookiest Halloween dream come true.  The new film features the voice talents of modern favorites Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaacs, Nick Kroll, Allison Janney, Finn Wolfhard, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Bette Middler.  

The Addams Family, as the first family of Halloween, provides Goodwill with a major thematic opportunity to remind you that Goodwill is the place to find unique and authentic costumes.

Keep one eye out and you may see the characters appear at your local Goodwill!

Going back to school can be an exciting time in New Mexico! It's an opportunity for learning and growth. Experiences range from anxious Albuquerque moms preparing kids for the first day of kindergarten, eager UNM graduate students, to nervous Rio Rancho teenagers becoming high school freshman.  Today's blog is all about capturing these experiences and creating a memento of the individual's commitment to self-improvement.
 
Our idea is to create your memento with this DIY Back to School Time Capsule! (inspired from iheartcraftythings.com) It's a simple and fun way to document how you changed and grew throughout the year.
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All you need is a medium to large size Mason jar or another thrifted container, a few sheets of paper, markers, ribbon, stickers, etc. Decorate it as you please! Then, decide what you will place in the time capsule!