Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goodwill Industries of New Mexico?
Goodwill Industries of New Mexico is a locally based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps New Mexicans get jobs in the community and gain access to specialized social services.
What is Goodwill's mission?
Goodwill is on a mission to provide skills training, job development, and social services to New Mexicans.
What programs and services does Goodwill offer?
What is the "Think Before You Donate /Mark Curran" email rumor?
A negative rumor continually resurfaces in the form of a now seven-year-old email that includes a variation of a message like this: “Think about these before you donate. As you open your pockets to do a good thing and make yourself feel good, please keep these facts in mind…”
The message then quotes erroneous information and salary figures for several nonprofit organizations’ chief executives, including a reference to a so-called “Goodwill CEO and OwnerMark Curran, who profits $2.3 million a year.” Read more here.
The message then quotes erroneous information and salary figures for several nonprofit organizations’ chief executives, including a reference to a so-called “Goodwill CEO and OwnerMark Curran, who profits $2.3 million a year.” Read more here.
What is the fee to use Goodwill's programs and services?
Goodwill Industries of New Mexico's programs and services are offered free of charge to New Mexicans who qualify.
What do I do if I need help from Goodwill?
Contact us now! Goodwill will work with you to acquire skills training, a job in the community or social services.
What happens to my donations?
Once you make a donation, the items are sorted and then sent to processing. In processing, the items are first assessed for condition. Most items are priced and moved into our thrift stores. Some others are diverted to our Clearance Corner for quick sale at a discounted rate. Items that are not in saleable are routed to our recycling program. Used computers and computer equipment are gathered separately and sent to our Albuquerque partner's processing facility for recycling.
All items, whether they go to our thrift stores for sale or into our recycling stream, generate money for Goodwill. So that means your donation is turned into the revenue that funds our programs and services which are offered free of charge to New Mexicans.
All items, whether they go to our thrift stores for sale or into our recycling stream, generate money for Goodwill. So that means your donation is turned into the revenue that funds our programs and services which are offered free of charge to New Mexicans.
What should I know before I donate to a charity/nonprofit organization?
Goodwill Industries of New Mexico applies 88 cents of every dollar we spend toward our programs and services for New Mexicans in need. Typically, a good rule of thumb is to seek out organizations that put at least 66 percent of revenues back into their programs. We always work to extract the greatest dollar amount from every donation and put it toward our programs and services, all of which are provided free of charge to the community. When you donate to us, you really make a difference in the community.
You may also want to ask the following questions before selecting a charity/nonprofit organization to receive your generous donations:
You may also want to ask the following questions before selecting a charity/nonprofit organization to receive your generous donations:
- Is your organization for-profit or nonprofit?
- How much of my donation will stay with the organization?
- Where do my donations go once I put them in a donation bin or drop them off?
- How will my donation help my local community?
What items does Goodwill accept?
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Furniture
- Housewares
- Electronics (working and non-working)
- Books
- Jewelry
- Vehicle donations
- Monetary donations
What items does Goodwill not accept?
- Televisions
- Mattresses/box springs
- Pianos
- Auto parts/fluids
- Building materials
- Household fixtures
- Firearms/ammunition
- Food
- Household chemicals
- Large household appliances
- Grills (unless propane tanks are removed)
- Lawn mowers
Does Goodwill do home pickups?
Goodwill Industries of New Mexico offers limited home donation pickups in the Albuquerque metro area. Learn more or to schedule a free donation pickup. We also accept donations at any of our donation centers across the state. Our donation attendants will be happy to assist you with unloading your vehicle.