What to Do With Your Stuff Instead of Giving It to Goodwill

The Falmouth Goodwill has been a staple in the town’s used clothing rotation as the place to go when somebody rich dies but doesn’t have an estate sale. However, while viewed as a more humane way of dispensing with old clothing, bad books, and dusty furniture compared to landfills, there are better local options to look at first. 

Goodwill is a corporation with a history of paying disabled workers significantly below minimum wage, knowing they have nowhere else to turn (CSNBC). In compliance with the 1938 Department of Labor Act, Goodwill files for special wage certificates allowing them to pay disabled employees a fraction of an already meager 7.25 per hour. Additionally, Goodwill has historically fired employees for raising concerns over unsafe working conditions that led to a coworker’s death, and for testifying on behalf of a coworker in a discrimination lawsuit (U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission). 

In the Greater Portland Area, we have a multitude of similar charities in need of donations to turn to. Maine Needs, located on Congress Street and the recipients of our recent school wide advisory winter sock drive, are in need of good condition used clothing, along with utilities, bedding, and children’s toys going into this Maine winter. Additionally, Portland is home to a menagerie of local thrift and consignment stores. One in particular, Still a Good Cause, donates its profits to McAuley Residence, a transitional housing program for single mothers in Portland. They are also looking for warm clothing, sheets, and pots and pans for this winter.

If you find yourself looking to drop off last year’s wardrobe or an old set of cookware somewhere this year, please consider driving the extra 5 minutes to an organization closer to home that could use the support.