Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Inc. (Goodwill)?

As a leading nonprofit social enterprise, Goodwill provides employment services such as job training, placement, retention and other community-based services to the most fragile populations across twenty counties throughout South Texas.

What does Goodwill do?

Goodwill’s mission is to create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Goodwill serves the most fragile populations in our communities including people with disabilities, ex-offenders, and those who are chronically unemployed by connecting them to jobs.

The mission is accomplished by putting people to work in the community or within Goodwill.

Where does Goodwill operate?

Goodwill’s service area covers twenty counties throughout South Texas.  Goodwill currently operates 20 stores with donation stations, an online store,  a clearance store, four stand alone donation stations, five job connections centers, and two distribution centers.  

What is Goodwill's exchange / return policy?

Effective February 2, 2024

Thank you for your continued support of Goodwill South Texas Retail Stores. We have updated our return policy to better serve you.

Effective February 2, 2024, all sales are final. However, we understand that sometimes clothing purchases may need to be returned. In such cases, refunds or store credit will be provided under the following conditions:

    • Items must be returned within 3 days of purchase with the original receipt and tags still attached.
    • Debit or credit card refunds will be credited back to the card used for payment.
    • Cash refunds require approval from the Store Manager and District Manager.

Please note: This policy applies only to clothing purchases. Accessories, shoes, furniture, electronics, books, and home decor remain not eligible for returns or exchanges.

Additionally, fitting rooms will be permanently closed in all our stores, including new constructions or renovations.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to maintain a positive shopping experience. We look forward to welcoming you back to our stores, where every purchase supports our mission of empowering individuals facing barriers to employment.

Does Goodwill provide pick up services?

At this time, Goodwill South Texas does not offer pick up service.  We ask that donors drop off their donations at their nearest Goodwill South Texas location.

When was Goodwill established?

Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston by Reverend Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator.  Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who poor to mend and repair the used goods.  The goods were then resold.  The system worked and the Goodwill philosophy of giving a “hand up, not a hand out” was born. 

Forty-six years later, seven men from the downtown Lions Club saw a need for Goodwill in South Texas and chartered what would be Goodwill Industries of South Texas in 1948.  

Why does Goodwill exist?

Everything performed at Goodwill is designed to fulfill the mission.  Goodwill believes in the power of work and having a job is a cornerstone in a person’s life.  Goodwill’s employment programs promote independence and dignity for people to provide for themselves and their families.  As a result, quality of life increases.

How does Goodwill fulfill its mission?

Goodwill’s business model is designed to be sustainable by creating revenue generating business lines that not only create jobs for people served, but also contribute to the bottom line.  Today, Goodwill’s business model is organized around three major divisions which are:

Mission Services: focuses on providing the training and support people need to gain and maintain employment.

Donated Goods: supports mission services through the sale of donated clothes and household items at Goodwill stores throughout South Texas and online through shopgoodwill.com (the first nonprofit internet auction site).

Commercial Services: creates employment opportunities for people by contracting with local businesses or government to provide services such as document destruction, mailroom management, pallet manufacturing, temporary services (known as Goodwill Staffing Services or GSS) and custodial and groundskeeping.

How do I find a donation station near me?

To find your nearest location please visit here.

Does Goodwill accept cash donations?

Goodwill of South Texas gladly accepts donations of cash, stock, and real estate. For more information, click here or contact our corporate office at 361-400-3081

Does Goodwill accept vehicle donations?

Yes, Goodwill will gladly accept any vehicle, in any condition. We also accept boats, RVs, motorcycles and more. Learn more here

What other services do you provide?

We create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities or barriers to employment. We offer veteran services, virtual learning services, community service, and income tax assistance. For more information click here

What kind of items does Goodwill sell?

The inventory in any Goodwill of South Texas retail store is fully dependent upon the goods that are donated. Those items can change daily.

What is Goodwill’s mission?

To create life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment. Our vision is to ensure all people, particularly those who are the most vulnerable in our communities, achieve their fullest potential through the power of work.

What are the core values of Goodwill?

Empowerment, Public Trust, Respect, Innovation, Quality, and Safety

Is Goodwill a charity?

Yes, Goodwill is a 501c3 charitable organization.

How many Goodwill stores are there in South Texas?

We have 21 local stores, 23 donation drop-off sites, and we have served over 25,000 South Texans over the past 5 years.

Does Goodwill repair items?

No, Goodwill does not repair items. Before items are placed on the sales floor we assess the quality of donations checking for damaged merchandise and other flaws. We do not sell items that are broken, torn, or soiled. 

Are all Goodwills the same?

Currently, 150 community-based Goodwill organizations exist in the U.S. and Canada, with 14 Goodwill affiliated organizations in other countries around the world. Each Goodwill organization is independent and operates its own unique set of programs.

Does Goodwill have a program where I can discard my old/broken computer or computer accessories?

Yes, through Dell Reconnect.  Dell Reconnect is a residential computer recycling program that offers you an easy, convenient, and responsible way to recycle your used computer equipment.  Drop off your working or non-working computers and computer accessories at any Goodwill South Texas donation station. It’s free and you’ll get a receipt for tax purposes. What’s more, you’ll be helping protect the environment and benefiting your community at the same time.

Does Goodwill help people that need community service hours for non-violent crimes?

Yes, Goodwill offers community service at select locations.  Learn more here. https://goodwillsouthtexas.com/community-service/ 

Does Goodwill provide paper shredding services?

Yes, Goodwill provides document destruction services.  Please contact Rose Mireles, Senior Director of Business Services, at 361-884-4068 ext. 20350 for more information.

How can I become a sponsor for a Goodwill event?

Please contact Marjorie Boudreaux at 361-400-3081 to learn about sponsorship opportunities at Goodwill.