Florida TaxWatch Report, More Than A Store: The Fiscal and Economic Impacts of Goodwill in Florida, Outlines Estimated $1.2 Billion through Jobs and Services

Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released its report, More Than A Store: The Fiscal and Economic Impacts of Goodwill in Florida at a Florida Capitol press conference in Tallahassee on December 11, 2024. After operating in Florida for more than 50 years, Goodwill continues to provide numerous benefits to Floridians by using its sustainable business model of selling donated goods. Goodwill provides significant job opportunities, economic development, and community support for thousands of Floridians each year – and with the holiday season in full swing, they also provide local communities with gift and donation options for friends and family.

Economic Impacts:

• Provided an estimated $1.2 billion in economic impact;
• Contributed $652 million to Florida’s GDP; and
• Added $127 million in personal income growth across the state.

Fiscal Impacts:

• Collected more than $20 million in local and state sales tax; and
• Paid a total of $50 million in direct and indirect tax dollars to the state.

Jobs Created and Job Placements:

• One in 24 job placements in the State of Florida for the year 2023 is accredited to Goodwill;
• Employed more than 14,800 individuals within Goodwill’s organization; and
• Placed more than 4,000 individuals in jobs within their local communities.

Locally, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida invests ninety-three cents of every dollar raised in our stores, in our mission services. Annually, we provide training and support for nearly 25,000 people a year - here in Southwest Florida.

Florida Goodwill Association Statistics

COMCAST Supports Digital LiteracyTraining

Thanks to a gift from Comcast NBC Universal, to support Digital Literacy Training in our Goodwill Community Resource Centers (CRC), several digital learners just earned new laptops.

Four recipients are from West Cape CRC Digital Skills Classes, 3 are from the Del Prado CRC, and one is from the classes provided by Mobile Coordinator, Yunier Lopez, at the Lehigh CRC.

Each learner earned a laptop from Comcast as a result of achieving six Northstar Digital Literacy certificates. They needed to acquire all four basics: Basic Computer, Basic Internet, Email Basics, and Windows. Then, they choose two from Microsoft Office:

• Word

• Excel

• PowerPoint

Digital Skills for Seniors

Goodwill's CRC coordinators are teaching digital literacy to seniors at the Heights Foundation Center. Becoming proficient on a computer is vital these days to pay bills, make changes to Medicare and complete everyday tasks. Gaining these skills helps seniors increase their independence.

Thank You, Pet Therapy!

A huge thank you to our friends from pet therapy for bringing so much joy to our Pathways to Opportunity participants! Your visits always brighten our day and leave smiles all around.

And a special shout out to Ellen for the beautiful calendar! It’s a wonderful reminder of the love and connection you bring to our program. We’re so grateful for your continued support and kindness!

Free Ongoing Classes

Citizenship Classes

Join us every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Goodwill Community Resource Center in Cape Coral for free citizenship classes. We assist with your citizenship application and test preparation. Students must reserve a spot with Keith Edison in advance (text: 508-662-2121). Bring a copy of your application, a notebook, and a pen.

Supportive friends are welcome to come along. 

Nutrition Classes

Free Nutrition classes are offered at Goodwill Community Resource Centers in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Participants can eat the foods prepared in the class. For more information contact Hilda (Fort Myers) at 239-995-2106 Ext 2228, or Daisy (Bonita Springs) at 239-318-4644.

ACCESS Training

ACCESS Class is offered every Friday at 9:00 AM at the Bonita Springs CRC. Goodwill CRC coordinators are teaching the community how to create a new account in the MyACCESS Portal and do a renewal (or a new application). This is a free service offered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. Contact Daisy or Linda at (239) 318-4644, or stop by the Bonita CRC at 11601 Bonita Beach Road, SE.

Digital Skills Classes

If you want to improve your computer skills, Goodwill provides FREE courses, online and in person, covering basic topics such as typing, using a mouse, email, internet navigation, and more. We also offer advanced software classes, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office 365. Call (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2226 or Ext. 2228 to locate the nearest Goodwill Community Resource Center and get started today! 

Mayor's Choice

Every year we award one tree designer with the "Mayor's Choice" ribbon. Since Mayor Kevin Anderson was out of town, Mayor Pro Tem, Fred Burson (Ward 5 - Councilmember) came out to select his favorite. The lucky winner was the Sidney & Berne Davis Center's "Events for All Seasons" tree, offering free tickets to the events at the art center for a year.

New Bikes at Goodwill Stores

Just in time for Christmas, Goodwill now has brand new Seaich Adult Bikes (available at select Goodwill stores), only $199.

These bikes are sold online for $349.99, or more.

Let your spirit soar with the joy of giving this Christmas

Gift the thrifter in your life the thrill of the hunt. Goodwill gift cards can be loaded with any amount from $10 to $100. They work just like cash at Goodwill stores, you earn VIP points when you use them, and they are refillable. Just ask the cashier to load a card on your next visit.