May 16, 2020
Stores expected to open in Phase 2, but Goodwill needs donated items in the meantime
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Goodwill of the Finger Lakes is accepting donations — contactless donations, that is — effective immediately per state and county reopening guidelines. Donation doors are open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 7 days a week at all stores and Donation Centers across the Finger Lakes region until Goodwill stores reopen for shopping, which is expected to happen in Phase 2. In the meantime, Goodwill needs donations from the community and will collect them with absolutely no contact with donors to ensure stores are full of new product in time for reopening.
Recommended safety measures have been put in place to protect all donors and Goodwill’s team while collecting donations. Attendants will be required to wear face masks and gloves at all times while working at the donor door. They will be practicing physical distancing and ask that all donors stay in their vehicles. More information can be found here.
Goodwill’s contactless donating procedures for everyone to follow include:
- Place only the items you are donating in your trunk or rear of the vehicle
- When you arrive to donate, please remain in your vehicle
- Unlock your door/trunk, and wait for a donation attendant to collect your items
- All items in rear of vehicle and/or trunk should be for donating only
- Attendant will leave a donation receipt in the trunk or rear of your vehicle
- Donor Appreciation Card will not be punched at this time
“Goodwill is more than a store and one of the best-kept secrets in Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes region,” Goodwill of the Finger Lakes CEO Jennifer Lake said. “When you shop and donate to Goodwill, you are supporting 211 Lifeline, our crisis hotline, ABVI’s programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, and 100 other not-for-profit organizations through our Good Neighbor program. Right now is the time to donate, and we need your donations. We think many people have been cleaning out their homes in recent weeks, and we gladly welcome — and appreciate — donations for Goodwill so we can continue supporting our community.”
All donations will be brought in and placed on a three-day hold in each store and donation center. The hold will be reassessed based on local and state health official guidance. After reaching this three-day period, donations will be processed and moved to the floor for shopping.
Donations should be sorted, with apparel and textiles placed separately from shoes, housewares and electrical items, and should be placed in boxes or bags that the customer does not need returned. Finally, only reusable containers with apparel can be returned if requested.
For more information on Goodwill’s donation response and reopening plan, visit goodwillfingerlakes.org/stores-pages/donate-goods/covid19 or call 1-800-Goodwill.