Shopping and Giving Back to Those in Need

If you are
looking for a way to save money, consider thrift store shopping. Each day, the costs of consumer goods are rising.
By shopping at your local thrift store, you can garner saving on everyday items such as clothing, household items,
and home décor. Thrift shipping is definitely one way to stretch a limited budget.

Most thrift stores aren't in business just to make money, but usually have a mission
statement that involves helping those in need. When you shop at a thrift store you are doing more than just saving
money. When you donate your gently used items, you are also making a difference in the lives of people in need.
You can trust that the money you spend is used to help others.

One of the best known thrift stores is Goodwill Industries International, Inc. The business is dedicated to
enhancing the lives of individuals, families and communities by providing work to people in need. Their vision is
to give every person the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. It also strives to give them the
opportunity to participate in all aspects of life.

Goodwill has a strict set of values with respect topping the list.
They strive to treat every person involved with Goodwill with respect and dignity. This concept doesn't just
extend to their employees, but also to those shopping in their business. This basic concept should be a goal of
each of us. In addition to respect, Goodwill places a high value on learning and challenges individuals to attain
excellence and continue to increase their knowledge throughout life.

Secondly, stewardship is another value they strive to maintain. Goodwill Industries focuses on being socially,
financially, and environmentally responsible. This can't be achieved without honoring the value of ethics as well.
Goodwill sets high ethical standards for those involved with their organization.

A look at Goodwill's website showed that
in 2010 they provide employment and training programs to over 2.4 million people. 170,000 of those individuals
earned a job with Goodwill. Goodwill's objectives also included providing personal and family support services
that were valued at 7.5 million dollars.

The inventory sold at Goodwill is received from donors. 74 million people donated items
for sale to Goodwill in 2010. $2.69 billion dollars in revenue were realized from those donations. 84% of that
revenue was placed back into programs that directly helped needy individuals. In the United States there are over
2,500 locations. Goodwill has also expanded with an online auction site.

If you want to give back to
the community and save money, a thrift store is a great place to start. You don't have to travel the world to help
those in need. You can shop right in your own community at your local Goodwill store and provide help to others in
need, and save money for your family. No one is a loser in that scenario.