F.A.Q.
1. What does Goodwill do?
A: We reuse and recycle your donations to help us improve job and educational skills, careers and lives. Our well known stores, which are vitally important, are just part of the big picture. Goodwill is a widely recognized leader and community partner in helping people gain the many benefits of work to improve their quality of life. With the financial support of our stores and other funding sources, we provide expert services to help people overcome physical, mental, educational, social and economic barriers that stand between them and having a meaningful job. In everything we do, Goodwill renews!
2. What services does Goodwill offer?
A: From evaluation and testing, to training and education, to placement and employment services, no other organization offers such a comprehensive and integrated menu of employment-related services to help individuals reach their full employment potential. Goodwill also offers full access to all resources of the PA CareerLink. For more information on how to enroll in a training and education program, visit Program and Services.
3. How is Goodwill funded and where does the money go?
A: Goodwill generates revenues from a variety of sources, including store sales, government contracts for services, sale of salvage materials, financial contributions, etc. The dollars that Goodwill generates from the sale of donated items and from monetary contributions support Goodwill's employment-related programs; over 90% of total revenue goes to supporting such programs. The other 10% helps meet administrative costs. For more information, view our most recent Annual Report.
4. Can I schedule a tour of Goodwill?
A: Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania enthusiastically encourages tours of our facility by individuals and groups.
- If you are a case manager for an OVR or MH/MR client, or someone who wants to learn more about how Goodwill can help, please call Jay Poliziani, Admissions Director, at 412-390-2263.
- High school transition and special education personnel, please call Holly Opatick-Rea, Director of Youth Services, at 412- 390-2244 or Kirk Moldstad, Supervisor-Transition WORKS!, at 412-390-2279.
- If you are a general supporter of Goodwill, please call Vicki Cook, Director of Development, at 412-390-2260.
5. Does Goodwill offer assistance to people in emergency situations?
A: Goodwill is not considered to be a “relief” agency and therefore does not offer immediate assistance for those in emergency situations. However, for more information about our Community Services, contact Mary Jane Bigley, Director of Community Support, at 412-390-2213.
6. Do you accept donations of computers and related items such as monitors, copiers and printers and can I purchase a used computer from Goodwill?
A: Computers and related items are always needed and can be dropped off at any Goodwill Store or Donation Center. For more information on pick-up services (for large quantities), acceptable donations, and data destruction services, call the Goodwill Computer Recycling Center at 412-390-2353. Low-cost rebuilt computers and computer parts are also sold at our used-computer store, Computer Works of Southside, located at 2600 East Carson Street on Pittsburgh's South Side. Normal business hours are M-F 11am-6pm and Sat 10am-5pm; call 412-481-0922 for availability and pricing information.
7. How do I value a donation?
A: It is the responsibility of the donor to determine the fair market value of donated items and Goodwill does not keep an itemized list for donations. Check the reverse side of the Goodwill donation receipt for important tax information.
8. What if I did not receive a receipt when I made a donation at a Goodwill Donation Center?
A: Call the North Huntingdon Distribution Center at 1-877-392-8882 to request that a blank tax receipt be mailed to you.
9. Does Goodwill have a pick-up service for furniture and large household items?
A: Goodwill encourages all donors to take donations to the nearest Goodwill Store or Donation Center. Goodwill can perform pick-ups of residential and/or commercial donations for donors who have at least three rooms full of furniture or other items to donate. If you have three rooms or more to donate, please call the North Huntingdon Distribution Center at 1-877-392-8882.
10. I have a residential/commercial property that I wish to donate, would Goodwill accept this as a donation?
A: Each possible donation of residential property is assessed on a case by case basis. Commercial property is not accepted. Please call David Tobiczyk at 412-390-2236 for more information.
11. What makes Goodwill’s non-profit thrift stores different from other thrift stores?
A: For-profit thrift stores sometimes arrange to use a charity's name to collect donations in exchange for a fee or a percentage of the revenue. Often this is not publicized, and the percentage the charity actually receives may be much less than what is taken. Also, Goodwill is local so your donations help others in Southwestern PA and North Central WV. Make your donations wisely!
12. How do I donate a car?
A: Call 1-888-30-40-CAR or Contact Us about Donating a Car. A member of the Auto Auction staff is available M-F 8am-4pm; after business hours you may leave your name and number and your call will be returned the next business day. Goodwill’s Auto Auction accepts donations of trucks, motorcycles, boats and RVs. You'll also receive a receipt for a tax-deduction. For more information and assistance for itemizing for auto donations, visit: http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq/0,,id=199725,00.html.
13. How does the Auto Auction work?
A: Auctions are held every Tuesday. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and bidding begins at 11:00. Available cars are posted on the the Auto Auction section of the website the Friday prior to the next auction. The Goodwill Auto Auction is located at 75 Billot Ave, just off Route 30 in North Huntingdon, Westmoreland County. For directions to the auction, or for more information on what you should bring and what to expect, call 1-888-30-40-CAR.
