Donated food items were distributed to more than 80 local food cupboards and pantries. The donated clothing was distributed throughout Goodwill’s nine local stores where revenues from the sale of these items directly supports programs and services that help thousands of local people each year overcome barriers to employment and independence.

Anyone still interested in donating to these two great causes are encouraged to drop their non-perishable food and gently-used clothing donations off at any one of the nine local Goodwill stores and at all Rochester-area Wendy’s locations until Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Terry Clifford from the “WBEE Morning Coffee Club” will be on hand to raffle off two pairs of tickets at select Goodwill locations. Come on out, and say “hello” to your favorite morning show personality and enter to win tickets to Guitars and Stars! While you’re at it, why not bring a donation of clean gently used clothing with you?

You have two opportunities to win tickets:

Saturday, March 26th – Webster store (50 Webster Commons Blvd.) – 10AM-12PM
Saturday, April 2nd –  Henrietta store (Jefferson Plaza ) – 10AM-12PM

We hope to see you there!

Last year, more than 65 tons of food and 50 tons of clothing were collected and distributed in Monroe, Ontario and Wayne counties. Nearly 10,000 volunteers are involved in this annual collection drive. The food goes to assist over 80 food cupboards in the Rochester area, and clothing sold in the Goodwill stores helps provide programs, services and job opportunities for people who have barriers to employment.

“Scouting for Food and Clothing is a unique, collaborative effort and one of our area’s signature community service projects,” says Barbara James, the event’s chairperson. “The Scouts and everyone involved really enjoy it.”

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on March 26, volunteers will collect and then take the donations to 14 collection sites located throughout the area, where they will be sorted and distributed.

By purchasing your spring wardrobe essentials at participating BonTon stores, you’ll not only look good, you’ll do good for your community as well!

Between March 9 and 23, BonTon customers who donate clean, gently used clothing and textiles during the semi-annual Goodwill Sale will receive coupons toward the purchase of new merchandise.

So, while you’re showing off your new spring looks, the items you donated to Goodwill will be generating revenues for job training programs and other community-based services for people with barriers to employment.

Participating customers receive one coupon per donated item, 20 items = 20 coupons. The coupons can be used at BonTon locations for 20-percent off regular or sale-price apparel, shoes and accessories and fine jewelry and 15-percent off cosmetics, fragrances and home store merchandise. Certain items, including furniture, electronics and toys, qualify for a 10-percent discount. During the fall 2010 sale, close to four million pounds of clothing and textiles were donated, and 1.6 million coupons were distributed.

Customers who register their donations at http://millionactsofgoodwill.com will also receive a special 25-percent-off coupon to use during the Goodwill Sale as a thank you for their contributions. You can also play the site’s “Spin-to-Win Instant Win Game” daily for a chance to win a $100 gift card, and be automatically entered in the sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City to see LIVE! with Regis & Kelly.

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who donated during this event. Thanks to your generosity we collected 33,295 pounds of clothing for our stores. Your donations will help us provide programs and services for people who have barriers to employment and independence.

Spring items are now available at up to 80% OFF retail prices. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your wallet!

Download coupon.

Building on the strength of the Goodwill Donate Movement, a global public awareness initiative focusing on donating responsibly, the new partnership with Hanes will help consumers learn more about how they can donate their gently used items to make a positive impact on their community and the environment.

According to a national survey commissioned by Hanes, most people wear only 70 percent of the items inside their drawers. Together, Goodwill and Hanes will encourage the public to organize, donate and replenish. The program was developed in response to an overwhelmingly common occurrence of cluttered, messy drawers and offers fun and easy solutions for getting organized.

“Hanes is proud to partner with Goodwill to raise awareness of the Donate Movement. We wanted to use this program to highlight the power of responsible donations and what that can mean for communities,” said Sidney Falken, senior vice president, Hanes brand.  “We’ve learned through research that many people hold on to items they no longer need but these items can actually be used again and have a second life. That’s why Hanes partnered with Goodwill to educate people about the benefits of donating items they no longer need, while making room for new updates of their favorite apparel items.”

Visit www.Facebook.com/Hanes for more information and tips about Clean Out Your Drawers.

Everyone has a Valentine’s Day story to tell – we want to hear yours!

Did your date end in disaster? Did Cupid’s arrow strike your hearts forever? Tell us your best and worst Valentine’s Day stories!

One lucky winner will be selected to win a $25 gift card. The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

UPDATE: The contest is now closed. Thanks to Kathy D for such a great response! We’ll be doing another contest soon, so be sure to check back for more details!

Congratulations to Kathy D. whose comment was selected as the winner!

For Once In My Life is a documentary about a unique band of singers and musicians, and their journey to show the world the greatness—and killer soundtrack—within each of them. The band members have a wide range of mental and physical disabilities—as well as musical abilities that extend into ranges of pure genius.

The film airs locally in the Rochester area on WXXI at the following times:

Tuesday, 2/1 at 10 p.m. (channels 11 and 1011)
Wednesday, 2/2 at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 8 p.m. (channel 524)
Thursday, 2/3 at 1 a.m. (channel 524)
Sunday, 2/6 at 3 a.m. (channels 11 and 1011) and 12 p.m. (channel 524)

Some of Rochester’s top radio personalities are teaming up to help Goodwill collect clothing donations this Saturday. Stop by the “Donation Day” event on Saturday, January 29th to meet some of your favorite radio hosts!

The first 30 people to donate items during the radio station appearances at each store will receive their choice of great prizes such as tickets to the Rochester Boat Show, The Strong National Museum of Play, RPO, Red Wings, Amerks and Knighthawks! (Subject to availability)

Plus, everyone who makes a donation to Goodwill on Saturday will receive a coupon good for $5 OFF your next purchase of $25 or more!

So come on out, meet some of your favorite radio hosts, win great prizes and support a great cause!

92.5 WBEE
10AM – 12PM: Macedon- Terry Clifford
2PM – 4PM: Geneseo- Jeremy Newman

98.9 WBZA
10AM – 12PM: Victor- Beck
2PM – 4PM: Jefferson Plaza- Kimberly

96.5 WCMF
10AM – 12PM: Webster – Kane-O
2PM – 4PM: Bay Road- Kane-O

98 PXY
10AM – 12PM: Brockport- Megan Carter
2PM – 4PM: Stone Ridge Plaza- Megan Carter

98 PXY’s Megan Carter made a New Year’s resolution to lose 20 pounds and we’re helping her keep it!

You can shed a few pounds too! On Saturday, January 29th you can join Megan Carter and a bunch of other Entercom personalities at Goodwill. Make donations, win prizes and meet some of your favorite on-air personalities!

Stay tuned for more details, including a schedule of which personalities will be joining us, right here at Goodwill ROCS!