The Rotary Club of Kona lent a helping hand Saturday, collecting and sorting donations at the Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Kailua-Kona.
Ariana Hirata, Goodwill Industries Marketing Specialist said the 501(c)(3) nonprofit is always looking for donations, and Saturday’s Spring Closet Clean-up drive will help stock the store. Proceeds from the sale of items goes to a variety of programs aimed at helping low income and disadvantaged residents of the Big Island and around the state.
“We partnered with Rotary of Kona for the donation drive, which helps us with our missions programs, helping locals in the community to get jobs and training,” she said.
Rotary Club of Kona incoming president Scott Unger said helping out with Saturday’s drive was a perfect fit for the organization.
“We have all avenues of service, one being community service,” said Unger. “We had the head of Goodwill Hawaii come speak at our meeting about a month ago when this opportunity came up for us.”
Goodwill Hawaii served some 2,623 Big Island residents in fiscal year 2020-21 between its offices in East and West Hawaii, according to Hirata.
“Anyone can ask for help,” said Hirata.
Goodwill Hawaii offers an array of programs, providing assistance to those looking for a job.
Among the programs offered are the Employment Core Services for Low Income Persons Program, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, and Career Readiness and Education Development Program.
Goodwill Hawaii is rare among not-for-profit agencies because most of its revenue is earned. Funding for programs comes via retail sales at community stores, service contracts, job training grants and support from individuals and corporations.
Service contracts employ people to provide commercial services including janitorial work, military vehicle repair and maintenance, customer support, and secure document destruction services.
Their contract services division also creates job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers, who otherwise may struggle to find work.
For more information, or to make a donation or shop online, visit goodwillhawaii.org. For volunteer opportunities call 808-836-WORK (9675).