Dear readers,

I apologize for the lack of posts in the last few weeks, but I think we have a good excuse! We have been busy preparing the launch of a new, exciting program…

I am excited to announce that Goodwill has partnered with Dell to launch the ReConnect program in Maine and New Hampshire (the program begins in Vermont on February 9). You are now able to drop off used computers and peripherals at any of our stores and donation centers FREE of charge!

Dell has successfully partnered with close to 50 other Goodwill agencies across the country and we are thrilled to bring this program to northern New England. We are the first non-profit in all three states to offer free computer recycling for residents.

The goal of the program is two-fold:

1. to divert used computers and computer equipment from landfills
2. to provide the community a way to responsibly recycle used computer equipment.
3. AND! We have a goal of diverting nearly one million pounds of computer waste from landfills in the first year of the ReConnect program. Help us reach our goal!

We now accept the following:

• Any Brand of Computer (Desktop and Tower)*
• Laptop
• Cords
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• Scanner
• Printer
• Fax Machine and Parts

*Donor is responsible for wiping all personal information from hard drives before donating computer equipment.

We accept donations from residents and businesses. If you have a large donation, please contact us to arrange details.

To everyone who has donated, shopped, or supported Goodwill in other ways this past year, thank you! We could not do the work we do without your continued support. Because of you, we are able to offer the following programs:

Job Training and Employment

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Deaf Services

Developmental Disability Services

We hope everyone has a happy, healthy, and safe holiday and we look forward to seeing you in 2009!

The Staff at Goodwill Industries of Northern New England

From now until December 24, you can drop off donations for Goodwill at 15 different local businesses in Portland. Goodwill is partnering with Portland Buy Local for their “Buy Local, Give Local” campaign.

Please spread the word so people know to bring their donations when they do their holiday shopping! Please also consider shopping at these local business as a thank you for their support of Goodwill. Portland Buy Local is an organization dedicated to educating the community about the benefits of shopping at local businesses and giving to local non-profits. Goodwill has been a Sustaining Member since 2008.

You Can Drop off Donations at these Local Businesses:

Aikido of Maine

Casco Bay Frames

Clay City Redux

Corduroy Surf Boutique
(Receive a $5 gift card when you bring in a donation!)

David Munster’s TV

Dodge the Florist

Ferdinand

Longfellow Books

L.T.’s, Inc.

North Star Music Cafe

Planet Dog

Portmanteau

Rosemont Floral

Tsunami Tattoo

Videoport

Good (late) afternoon readers! We are gearing up to write about some inexpensive, green, and creative gift ideas for the holiday season. I know there are many talented and crafty people out there, so if you have ideas you would like to submit, we would love to feature them on our blog.

We are looking for gift ideas for people of all ages and interests. We’re looking forward to seeing your brainstorms!

Please email your ideas to: info@ginne.org.

From villagesoup.com

Following a site walk at 200-204 Camden St., the Rockland Planning Board approved plans on Sept. 23 for a new 15,300-square-foot Goodwill store, shop and warehouse on a 2.07 acre site with a former Big Apple store, an empty house and a vacant lot. Read the article on Village Soup

Rendering of the Rockland Goodwill Store

More details to follow.