As back-to-school shopping season kicks into high gear, families can stay on budget
Northern New England – It’s August, and that means it’s time for back-to-school shopping. After a sizeable drop in back-to-school spending last year, the National Retail Federation reports that families with school-aged children are planning to spend, on average, $606.40 on clothes, shoes, supplies and electronics during this second-busiest shopping season of the year, up from $548.72 last year and $594.24 in 2008.
But with the economy still not out of the woods, parents also report that they are still concerned about sticking to a budget and making their dollar stretch as far as possible. Goodwill provides affordable back-to-school shopping that for many families will mean the difference between staying within budget and over spending. What’s more, families can rest easy knowing that by shopping at Goodwill — and bringing their used items along to donate — they are helping affect meaningful change in their own communities.
Earlier this year, Goodwill and its partners launched the Donate Movement, which encourages people to think about what they donate, where they donate, and how their donations affect others. When you donate to reputable organizations like Goodwill, you know your donation is going to provide opportunities for those in need in your own community. Eighty-three percent of Goodwill’s revenues fund job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other employment challenges. Goodwill programs strengthen communities and families, and promote independence and dignity for people who need it most. Citizens can help fund these programs two ways: by shopping at Goodwill stores and by donating their used items.
“Many parents are already clued in that Goodwill is a great place to shop for clothes, shoes and supplies while staying within their budgets,” said Michael Coughlin, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England. “But even more important is that when you shop and donate at Goodwill stores, you’re investing in programs that help people right here in northern New England.”
Parents know that back-to-school shopping isn’t just about clothes, shoes and pencil cases anymore, and neither is donating to Goodwill. Approximately one-third (34 percent) of parents say electronics are on their back-to-school shopping lists and 18 percent will buy a new computer or laptop. It is important to remember that when you’re buying something new, you probably have something old that you are replacing. Used computers can be donated to Goodwill, and so can many other items you might not think of, such as CDs, DVDs, video games, cell phones, bikes, furniture and household appliances. Whatever items you’re looking to pick up (or get rid of), this back-to-school shopping season, you can find good deals while funding good deeds at Goodwill.
About Goodwill:
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has a 77-year history of providing innovative services that eliminate barriers to opportunity and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work. Last year, we served 58,000 individuals through job training and placement, career counseling, family strengthening services, youth employment opportunities, brain injury programs, and other community support services for people with disabilities. Our programs are funded by revenue from our 26 retail stores, grants, fees, and financial gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
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