Goodwill Industries and the Detroit Lions give football fans the chance to "Donate for Jobs"
8/3/2012
DETROIT – Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit continues its third year in a partnership with the Detroit Lions that enables fans to donate gently used items at the Goodwill “Donate for Jobs” truck in front of Ford Field at every home game this season starting with the first preseason game on Friday, August 10.
The highest quality items collected will be sold at Goodwill’s flagship upscale retail store in Canton and the soon-to-be open store in Dearborn, Mich. Proceeds from the store will fund Detroit area Goodwill employment training, education, preparedness and job placement programs designed to help the region’s unemployed overcome employment challenges and earn jobs.
"Lions fans have the opportunity to help their friends and neighbors become trained, trusted and ready to work, by visiting the Goodwill "Donate for Jobs" truck on their way to the game," said Lorna G. Utley, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. "Item donations drive the success of our Goodwill stores, which create jobs and economic independence for those with barriers to employment. The simple act of donation can mean so much to someone in need of a job."
From the time gates open until one hour after the game, fans can drop off items or monetary donations at the Goodwill truck located near one of Ford Field’s main gates. Contributors will receive a 20 percent off coupon for use during a non-game day at the Lions’ Store located at Ford Field.
The partnership also includes a Goodwill presence on the Detroit Lions’ website as well as in the team’s game day program and other fan communications.
“Goodwill is a leader in the fight against local unemployment for Metro Detroit and the surrounding areas,” said Tom Lewand, President of the Detroit Lions. “We’ve all been touched by the unemployment crisis and now our team and its fans can contribute directly to an organization whose mission is creating local jobs and helping people get back to work.”
In addition to visiting the Goodwill Industries “Donate for Jobs” truck at Ford Field on Detroit Lions game days, individuals wishing to donate new or gently used clothing or other items to Goodwill Industries may drop them off at the flagship Canton Store (41937 Ford Rd.), the Dearborn Store (2241 Michigan Ave.,) or the Detroit Goodwill headquarters (3111 Grand River) or call (313) 964-3900 for more information. To make a financial contribution online, visit http://www.goodwilldetroit.org.
Since 1924, Goodwill Industries’ industrial operations division has been a Tier One supplier to the Ford Motor Company. Annually, hundreds of individuals receive hands-on training through this operation as part of their paid transitional work experience, performing kitting and light assembly work.
About Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit
In 2011, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit is celebrated its 90th anniversary. In just the past two years of the organization’s rich history, Goodwill Industries has placed more than 2,400 Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county individuals into new jobs and provided education, training and career assistance to thousands more in the region. Goodwill Industries is the only organization in Southeast Michigan solely dedicated to helping local individuals overcome challenges and secure employment. For information, visit http://www.goodwilldetroit.org.