Frequently Asked Questions
About Goodwill
Stores and Donations
ABOUT GOODWILL IN GENERAL
I’ve heard your organization called ABVI-Goodwill and I’ve heard it called Goodwill. Which one is it?
We are ABVI-Goodwill which means the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. One organization … one mission.
Why do I hear those two different names for the agency?
Our agency has been serving people who are blind or visually impaired since 1911, as ABVI. In 1994 we became a member of Goodwill Industries International. Since then we have opened six Goodwill stores in the Greater Rochester Area. So although the stores are called Goodwill, they are all operated by ABVI-Goodwill.
Is ABVI- Goodwill a nonprofit?
Yes. ABVI-Goodwill is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service. Our mission is to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities.
If ABVI-Goodwill is a nonprofit, where does the money go?
The revenue we generate helps fund programs, services and jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired throughout the community. Only approximately 15% of the revenue ABVI-Goodwill generates is used for administration costs including rent, maintenance, insurance, and other administrative overhead expenses. The remainder funds programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Does ABVI-Goodwill give away clothing?
Most of our clothing is sold in our local Goodwill stores to support services for people who are blind or visually impaired. ABVI-Goodwill is community focused and we have several partnerships throughout the community where we may provide clothing or household items to those most in need. Either way, you can be assured your donation is making our community a better place.
How can I help my local Goodwill?
Donate clothing and household item to us.
Shop at Goodwill retail stores.
Make a monetary donation to ABVI-Goodwill.
Remember ABVI-Goodwill with a bequest in your will.
ABOUT OUR STORES AND DONATIONS
Do you offer home pick-up?
No we don’t. The cost of the equipment and labor required to run a quality home pick-up service for our large service area became prohibitive. We feel that the money required to run this service would be better spent on our mission to provide programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired throughout the community.
Who shops at Goodwill?
Everybody! People from all walks of life and income groups shop at our Goodwill stores, and do so frequently. The common thread among shoppers is that they appreciate value, like to save money and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
Why are your prices high? I thought Goodwill was a nonprofit.
We believe our prices are very reasonable. ABVI-Goodwill is a nonprofit. Revenues obtained from our retail operations are used to fund programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Although we sell donated goods, we do have to pay other expenses incurred when running a retail operation. Our prices are very competitive and much lower than most department store prices. Remember, when you shop at Goodwill, not only are you finding great bargains but you’re helping our mission to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities.
Why wont you take everything I bring in?
Because of the costs associated with disposing of items that cannot be re-sold in our stores, we ask that all donations be in good, sellable condition. We are required to pay very expensive fees to dispose of non-sellable items and we feel the money would be better spent on our mission rather than hauling away non-sellable items. In addition, the very nature of our Goodwill stores is to help save our environment by keeping items out of landfills. We would much rather re-sell the goods donated to us than have to dispose of them.
What won’t Goodwill stores take as a donation?
Baby Furniture
Toys with small parts
Large appliances
Plumbing fixtures
Air conditioners or dehumidifiers
Mattresses, box springs or bed pillows
Windows, screens or storm doors
Carpet scrap or carpeting
Metal or lumber
Building materials
Construction or yard waste
Containers of any liquid (for example, paint, petroleum, cleaning supplies, etc.)
Large furniture, weighing over 25 lbs
Medical supplies or crutches
Large exercise equipment
Auto parts, tires or wheels
I made a donation but lost my tax receipt. Can I obtain a copy?
Unfortunately, no. ABVI-Goodwill is not able to give copies of donation receipts. The large volume of donations we receive prohibits us from keeping the receipts on record. We urge you to keep your receipt; this is the only copy available. Certain charitable contributions can be claimed without a receipt, however, we urge you to contact your tax advisor to learn more.
What happens if I accidentally donate an item and then want it back?
Unfortunately it would be very difficult to get a donation back. We receive millions of donated items a year. When an item is donated by mistake, we make every effort to find it; however, we process donations so efficiently and quickly that it is often impossible to find a specific item once it enters the processing cycle.
How do my donations help my community?
When you bring donations to your local Goodwill, you help our mission to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities. ABVI-Goodwill also partners with many non-profit organizations in the Greater Rochester area through our Good Neighbor program which allows your donations to meet an even greater need throughout our region and touches many lives.
Why should I donate to Goodwill instead of another organization?
When you give to ABVI-Goodwill, you are giving locally and it is staying locally. At ABVI-Goodwill, we process and re-sell donations in our Goodwill stores and use the revenue to fund programs, services and jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired right here in our community. In other words, your donations support our mission to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities. While some other collection boxes are operated by bona fide charities, many actually benefit for-profit organizations. These companies arrange to use a charity’s name to collect donations in exchange for a flat fee or a percentage of the revenue. Often this deal is not generally publicized, and the percentage that charity actually makes may be less than five cents for every dollar. So we encourage you to make your donations wisely. It is important that donors make an informed choice and know to whom they are giving.
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