The Rotary Club of Kona lent a helping hand Saturday, collecting and sorting donations at the Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Kailua-Kona.
Ariana Hirata, Goodwill Industries Marketing Specialist said the 501(c)(3) nonprofit is always looking for donations, and Saturday’s Spring Closet Clean-up drive will help stock the store. Proceeds from the sale of items goes to a variety of programs aimed at helping low income and disadvantaged residents of the Big Island and around the state.
“We partnered with Rotary of Kona for the donation drive, which helps us with our missions programs, helping locals in the community to get jobs and training,” she said.
Rotary Club of Kona incoming president Scott Unger said helping out with Saturday’s drive was a perfect fit for the organization.
“We have all avenues of service, one being community service,” said Unger. “We had the head of Goodwill Hawaii come speak at our meeting about a month ago when this opportunity came up for us.”
Goodwill Hawaii served some 2,623 Big Island residents in fiscal year 2020-21 between its offices in East and West Hawaii, according to Hirata.
“Anyone can ask for help,” said Hirata.
Goodwill Hawaii offers an array of programs, providing assistance to those looking for a job.
Among the programs offered are the Employment Core Services for Low Income Persons Program, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, and Career Readiness and Education Development Program.
The Employment Core Services for Low Income Persons Program offers job training in a classroom environment. Participants learn the skills necessary to secure and maintain competitive employment. Services are individualized and are offered free of charge to anyone 18 years or older who meets the current income criteria.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult and Dislocated Worker Program equips adults and others displaced from their job with the tools they need to secure and maintain competitive employment. Employment counselors provide each participant with one-on-one guidance and job coaching to assist in achieving their employment and career goals.
The Career Readiness and Education Development Program offers job preparation to help participants succeed in the modern job market. The program helps with finding the right career, and developing a pathway to employment, and also features an online program that helps people develop computer skills.
Goodwill Hawaii is rare among not-for-profit agencies because most of its revenue is earned. Funding for programs comes via retail sales at community stores, service contracts, job training grants and support from individuals and corporations.
Service contracts employ people to provide commercial services including janitorial work, military vehicle repair and maintenance, customer support, and secure document destruction services. Their contract services division also creates job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.
For more information, to make a donation or shop online, visit goodwillhawaii.org. For volunteer opportunities, call (808) 836-WORK (9675).