ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 Goodwill Industries of Central Florida launched a month-long register round-up campaign Monday to support the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. Throughout September, shoppers at Goodwill stores in Orange County can round up their purchase totals to the nearest dollar at checkout.<\/p>\n
Goodwill announced it will match funds raised during the initiative up to $10,000, with all proceeds going directly to support rescue mission programs.<\/p>\n
The fundraising drive builds on an existing partnership between the two nonprofit organizations that connects rescue mission guests with Goodwill\u2019s Prosperity Platform, a program offering one-on-one coaching to help individuals set personal goals and access community resources.<\/p>\n
Donations collected during the campaign will help fund emergency shelter, meals, clothing, education, counseling and workforce development services provided by the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.<\/p>\n
The campaign is running exclusively at Goodwill retail locations in Orange County. Participating stores include locations in Winter Garden, Apopka, Lake Nona, South Orange Blossom Trail, Curry Ford, Goldenrod, Waterford Lakes and the Winter Park Boutique.<\/p>\n
Goodwill\u2019s Prosperity Platform offers personalized coaching to help individuals identify goals, access resources and work toward financial independence. Ed Durkee, president and CEO at Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, emphasized the collective impact of store donations. \u201cEvery round-up at the register is a simple way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,\u201d Durkee said. \u201cOur partnership with the Orlando Union Rescue Mission gives shoppers an opportunity to help people access the resources and personalized guidance they need to move toward greater stability and achieve their goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Orlando Union Rescue Mission was founded in 1948 to provide emergency assistance and life transformation programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Justin Harvey, director of development at Orlando Union Rescue Mission, noted that community backing is essential to expanding outreach. \u201cLasting transformation begins when people have both the resources and encouragement to move forward,\u201d Harvey said. \u201cOur partnership with Goodwill expands the resources available to our guests and gives the community a meaningful way to invest in their journey toward stability.\u201d<\/p>\n
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has provided job placement and vocational services across the region for more than 60 years. The organization operates 31 retail and outlet stores alongside 21 donation centers in six Central Florida counties, channeling more than 90% of its annual revenue into programs that assist local residents with career development.<\/p>\n
The register round-up initiative will remain active at all participating Orange County Goodwill locations through Sept. 30.<\/p>\n
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