May 19, 2011
Rochester, NY (May 19, 2011) – Gap and Goodwill of the Finger Lakes have announced a partnership encouraging consumers to clean out their closets for a good cause. From May 19-29, Gap stores in the United States and Canada will accept clothing donations in support of the Donate Movement, an effort powered by Goodwill to educate the public on the positive impact donations can have on both people and the planet.
When consumers donate clothing to Gap stores during this time period, their donations will be given to Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and then sold in Goodwill’s nine retail stores and Blue, a Goodwill boutique. To thank customers for their generous donations, donors will receive 30 percent off their entire Gap purchase, including regularly priced and sale items, just in time for Memorial Day shopping.
Donations to Goodwill of the Finger Lakes support the organization’s mission of helping thousands of people each year overcome barriers to independence by providing unique training and employment opportunities that empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and contribute to their families and communities.
“As a company, we invest in career exploration and job readiness for youth, and thousands of our employees volunteer to help young people prepare for the workforce. Giving our customers and employees opportunities to donate clothing in support of Goodwill’s job training programs is a great fit with our community efforts,” said Bobbi Silten, head of global responsibility and president of Gap Foundation.
Donating to Goodwill also has a positive impact on the planet. Goodwill helps communities extend the life of usable items in environmentally sound ways, and diverts clothing items from local landfills.
“Through the Donate Movement, Goodwill aims to increase conscious donations by raising consumer awareness of the power their donated goods can have in strengthening their communities,” said Sondra McFarlane, VP of Marketing at Goodwill of the Finger Lakes. “When you donate to Goodwill, you help to fund unique training programs and provide career opportunities for people throughout our community who face barriers to independence, like vision loss.”
To learn more about the Donate Movement and calculate the positive impact donations will have on people in the community, visit donate.goodwill.org.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Fiscal year 2010 net sales were $14.7 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,100 company-operated stores, about 175 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com/socialresponsibility.
Media Contacts:
Todd Pipitone, APR
Public Relations Manager
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
D: (585) 327-5595/C: (585) 469-5699
tpipitone@abvi-goodwill.com
Kimberly Terry
Gap
Phone: (415) 427-4844
kimberly_terry@gap.com