Winter Garden Goodwill seeing increase in donations

The coronavirus pandemic brought hard times for many across the country. However, one West Orange donation center has seen an advantage throughout the pandemic. 

Goodwill in Winter Garden said it has seen a steady increase in donations since the beginning of the pandemic, and the numbers aren't stopping. 

Kim Praniewicz, Vice President of Marketing and Mission Advancement at Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, said this January has been one of the strongest Goodwill has seen in terms of donations, and the donations are continuing to roll in. 

"At the beginning of the pandemic it was incredible the amount of donations we were receiving," she said. "We are always busy but the numbers have really surprised us and continued throughout the pandemic."

For some, the pandemic allowed the opportunity to spend more time at home and clean out their closets. For others, the control of making a home more comfortable and safe throughout unpredictable times brought a sense of comfort. 

In a survey of 4,415 adults in November 2021, nearly three-quarters of the sample admitted their closets contain many things they would never wear again. Only 15% said they love their closets as-is.

"The pandemic has really encouraged people to clean out their closets and we are so fortunate people have chosen to bring their used items into our stores," the Vice President said. 

However, Praniewicz said it isn't only clothes being brought in. The store has seen a steady increase in all forms of donations including toys, furniture and more. 

"The donations can make a huge difference," she said. "When individuals bring in donated items, more than 90% of those funds go into job placement programs. We employee over 1,200 people in the Central Florida area."

Praniewicz explained that the process of repurposing and reselling also kept over 18 millions pounds out of the Central Florida landfills in 2021. 

The cold weather has even encouraged many locals to take to Goodwill to find fairly priced and quality jackets, hoodies, sweaters, scarfs and more. 

One of Goodwill's most recent bigger accomplishments includes the addition of a well known ambassador and spokesperson to the organization. 

Matt Paxton, an Emmy-nominated public television series host and author, will serve as Goodwill's designated decluttering and organizing expert.

As an official representative, Paxton will be featured on radio and television spots as well as in blogs, social media posts, podcasts, and on other platforms to demonstrate how donations to the organization translate into programs and services in communities across the United States and Canada, according to Goodwill. 

The Goodwill in Winter Garden can be found at 14190 W. Colonial Drive or reached at (407) 654-6292.

For more information on Goodwill, click here.