In celebration of Earth Day, Goodwill has partnered with Communities in Schools to orchestrate donation drives throughout southeast Georgia.  During the month of April, schools in Chatham, Bulloch and Glynn County are encouraging their students to drop-off their gently used items at collection points on campus under the campaign of #GIVE1POUND.
 
In one year, the average person throws away 81lbs of clothing, most of which will end up in a landfill.  Participants in this month’s event are encouraged to give at least 1 pound of those items to Goodwill.  All items donated to Goodwill are sold, repurposed or purchased by 3rd party vendors who bulk recycle products into new materials.  In 2017 alone, Goodwill Southeast Georgia diverted over 16.5 million pounds from landfills.  All of these activities fund Goodwill’s mission to provide job training programs and support right here in our community.   
 
Beyond the impact donations will have through Goodwill’s job training programs, students will also be supporting Communities in Schools of Savannah’s operations and their #ALLINFORKIDS initiative.  As part of the campaign Goodwill will provide shopping vouchers to CIS for distribution to school district social workers.  This allows students and families in crisis to buy clothing and household items at Goodwill Southeast Georgia retail stores, in turn assisting CIS in their mission of surrounding students with support so that they may be successful in school and in life
 
Many students face a multitude of challenges in and out of the classroom that affect their ability to succeed in school.   CIS’ wrap around services are bolstered by being able to provide critical support such as clothing, backpacks and household goods through this donation drive campaign. “Working with local schools for our Earth month donation drive is a great way for us to engage children in the power of giving.” stated Michael Winkler, CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia. “CIS’ focus on the importance to education and transforming lives make them a natural partner for Goodwill and we are proud to be working together to lift up families in our community.”
 
Schools and students have the opportunity to compete with each other throughout the month too.  The school with the most donations will be recognized at the end of April and students can participate in a weekly prize drawing by posting photos of their donations online with the tag #GIVE1POUND and #ALLINFORKIDS.  Some classes will also be joining in a “Champions Contest”, with children submitting written, creative and spoken expressions on the importance of giving back and being a “Community Champion”.  Winners from the contest with be chosen at the end of April, with winning pieces shared online and via each organization’s website.  Local establishments, such as Leopold’s Ice Cream and Chicken Salad Chick, have generously donated prizes and gift cards to be used for the competitions throughout the month.