Evergreen Goodwill is celebrating 100 years of existence throughout 2023! Over the next 10 months, we'll highlight a different decade of our organization's history and the evolution of Evergreen Goodwill's Mission and community impact, starting where it all began – at the corner of Seattle's Boren Avenue & Virginia Street in 1923. 

This Black History Month, we are putting the spotlight on several designers who have been trailblazers in fashion. We invite you to learn more about their captivating stories on our blog and while shopping in store.

Evergreen Goodwill's DIY Guy, Gary Foy, showcased some back-to-school/back-to-college fashion and common housewares that are perfect for any dorm room or apartment. 

"With Evergreen Goodwill approaching its 100th anniversary in 2023, Campbell says, “Make no mistake, we are a nonprofit. After we consider the cost of running our extensive retail operation, we are still able to put over $11 million of that directly toward our mission to provide free job training and education, but also to continue to invest in increasing wages for our own 2,100 employees.'"

“This isn’t my first job in the United States, but this is the first job that I really like." – Aida

This is a special milestone for Aida, who works in customer service at our Lynnwood nonprofit thrift store. She recently celebrated her 35th anniversary with Evergreen Goodwill! Building morale, creating a sense of camaraderie and setting the example for customer service excellence are Aida's specialties. She's taking a look back on her extensive career with the organization and what has motivated her to return year after year. 

“If you fall or stumble, don’t let that just drag you down.” – Sonia
“Don’t let your past define you because it doesn’t.” – Tasha

Sonia and Tasha, two employees at our Silverdale nonprofit thrift store, have found great strength within their friendship that began shortly after joining the Evergreen Goodwill team and learning how closely their life stories align. They both hope their words will inspire and encourage others who come from similar backgrounds.

Rest assured that no matter what you donate to Goodwill, we will make every effort to give your treasures new life and purpose. This is our commitment to sustainability – but we can’t do it alone! Evergreen Goodwill works closely with several community organizations and government agencies to help reduce waste and keep items out of landfills. 

Through the support of generous donors and shoppers who choose to go treasure hunting at Goodwill, we were able to save more than 76 million pounds of materials from local landfills just last year alone! At Evergreen Goodwill, we are all about reducing waste and playing our part in helping the environment. 

When you choose to shop at or donate to Evergreen Goodwill, you're not only helping to reduce waste and keep materials out of local landfills, but you're also giving back to the community by helping to break down barriers to education and employment. We call this 360° of Sustainability. 

“I love what I do.” – Katy

It’s been 18 years since Katy, a retail assistant manager, walked into her hometown Goodwill looking for a job. Little did she know at the time, that opportunity would transform into a flourishing career that has led to countless personal and professional successes.