‘Tis the Season to Shop Smart ... and Do Good

According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25% more trash during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s than any other time of year.”

Reasons to shop at Goodwill for gifts

1. You can maximize the value of your dollar - give more, spend less

2. Score fresh finds

3. It's good for the environment - 'Rescue and Reuse'

4. It changes lives -every dollar helps neighbors in need

As bottlenecks and shortages continue to create challenges for retailers across the country, this year’s holiday shopping is shaping up to be tricky, even for the most seasoned bargain-hunter.

While you may not think of your local Goodwill as a destination for holiday shopping, thrifting is a great way to find unique decorations and gifts at significantly less than big-box retail prices – plus, every sale at stores like Goodwill supports nonprofit services that give back to our community.

Here are a few great reasons to 'go thrifting' for the holidays

Give more and spend less

Most Americans relax their budget during the holidays, but this year, overspending poses an especially big risk. Retailers know that scarcity is a factor, and they’re planning to use it to their advantage. With banners emblazoned with “while supplies last” and “for a limited time,” they’re hoping to coax shoppers into overspending and making impulse purchases on items they don’t really need.

But you don’t have to cross names off your list to shave down your budget. Shopping at Goodwill allows you to maximize the value of your dollar. Whether you’re looking for small “stocking stuffers” or bigger buys like furniture and small appliances, you’ll find a wide selection of items at a price that doesn’t make you wince.

Score fresh finds

Can’t think of the right thing to get for Dad? Tired of browsing “Recommended Gifts for Her” online? Try visiting a thrift store instead. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for perfect – and personal – gifts, from designer accessories and jewelry to games, toys, and puzzles for all ages.

In addition, thrifting allows you to incorporate your own personal touch. For example, add some chalk paint to the stems of old wine glasses, decoupage vintage picture frames, mix acrylic paint and baking soda to give a glass vase the look of ceramic pottery, or tie-dye a pair of white canvas shoes using markers and rubbing alcohol. Every trip to Goodwill is a treasure hunt and you never know what “gems” you’ll find.

Rescue and reuse

According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25% more trash during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s than any other time of year. That amounts to about one million extra tons of trash each week, much of it decorations and packaging.

That’s why shopping for holiday décor at Goodwill is a great solution. You can mix and match festive garlands, pillows, candles, mugs, and more to liven up your home for the holidays … all at a next-to-nil cost to the environment (and your wallet).

Goodwill in Apopka is located at 1312 E Semoran Blvd, 32703

Change lives

In the end, the holidays are about more than consumerism and crowded store aisles. They’re a time when we come together as a community, express gratitude for what we have, and give freely to others.

Supporting nonprofits like Goodwill is one way to do that. That’s because every time you check out, 90% of the revenue from our retail stores goes directly to supporting nonprofit services that help countless community members, as well as Goodwill employees, access a network of resources to secure meaningful employment, achieve personal goals and thrive economically.

If you’re looking for how to make a deep impact this holiday season, skip the big-box sales, head to your local Goodwill and help support your neighbors in need.

Kim Praniewicz is VP of Marketing and Mission Advancement at Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.