4 Heartwarming Ways to Give Back with Goodwill this Season

As the season of giving begins, there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact—and teaming up with Goodwill is one of the easiest and most powerful. Whether you’re cleaning out your closet, shopping for holiday essentials, or simply rounding up your purchase at checkout, every action helps support your neighbors, your community, and the planet. Here are four simple ways you can give back with Goodwill this November.

1. Round Up for Thanksgiving

This November, you can make an even bigger impact by rounding up your purchase to the next dollar at checkout. Every extra cent goes directly toward funding our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair.

This event provides free warm meals, essential resources, and a sense of community to individuals and families in the Baltimore community facing hardship. Your spare change helps us serve thousands of guests with dignity and care. It’s a small gesture that adds up to a big difference.

2. Help Neighbors Stay Warm with Your Donations

As the chill of November sets in, many families in our community are searching for ways to stay warm without stretching their budgets. You can make a real difference by donating gently used cold-weather items to Goodwill. Coats, gloves, scarves, boots, and blankets are especially needed this time of year.

When you donate warm clothes, you’re helping stock our stores with affordable winter clothing that allows neighbors to bundle up for less. Your donation might be the reason someone stays warm on a cold morning or has a coat to wear to work or school. It’s a simple act of kindness that goes a long way.

3. Shop with Purpose to Support Our Mission

Shopping at Goodwill is more than just finding great deals—it’s a way to give back with Goodwill. Every purchase you make helps fund our community programs, including job training, education, and employment services that empower individuals and strengthen families.

Whether you’re picking up a cozy sweater, a set of dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, or a holiday gift for a loved one, your dollars are doing double duty. You’re getting what you need—and helping someone else get what they need, too.

4. Protect the Planet with Sustainable Shopping

Giving back also means giving the planet a break. By donating and shopping secondhand, you’re helping divert clothing and household items from landfills. Every item you donate or purchase is one less item contributing to waste.

Sustainable shopping is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental footprint. It conserves resources, reduces pollution, and promotes reuse. At Goodwill, we believe that caring for the planet and caring for people go hand in hand.

Ready to Give Back?

This giving season, team up with Goodwill to make a difference. Donate warm clothes, shop with purpose, and round up for Thanksgiving. Together, we can warm hearts, homes, and our planet—one generous act at a time. Give back with Goodwill today.

FAQ: How to Give Back with Goodwill This Season

Q: What items should I donate in November?
A: Focus on cold-weather essentials like coats, boots, gloves, scarves, and blankets. These items help neighbors stay warm and are in high demand. With the holidays coming up, it’s also a great time to donate holiday decor and any items that may make great affordable gifts, including toys and games in good condition. Keep up with us on social media @bmoregoodwill for monthly donation guides!

Q: How does shopping at Goodwill help the community?
A: Proceeds from your purchases go directly toward funding local programs that provide job training, education, and employment support. Learn more about our mission and the programs we offer the community.

Q: What is the Round Up campaign?
A: When you round up your purchase to next dollar at checkout, the extra change supports our community efforts. This month, rounding up will go toward funding our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair, helping to feed struggling community members who may not otherwise be able to celebrate the holiday.

Q: Is donating to Goodwill environmentally friendly?
A: Yes! Donating and shopping secondhand helps reduce landfill waste and promotes sustainable living. Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is devoted to diverting donated goods away from the landfill and continually expanding our sustainability initiatives. Learn more about our environmental impact.

Q: Where can I donate or shop?
A: Goodwill of the Chesapeake has 31 locations throughout the greater Baltimore area and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Find your most convenient location today.