Goodwill is a thrift store chain that operates in the United States and other countries. The company is a non-profit organization that provides job training and placement services for people with disabilities or who face other barriers to employment.
Goodwill was founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister from Boston, Massachusetts.
The organization’s name was derived from Helms’ philosophy that good will come from the donated goods that they sell in their stores. Goodwill’s mission is “to help people achieve their fullest potential through the power of work.” In 2015, Goodwill provided services to more than 6 million people worldwide.
Goodwill is not owned by Walmart. However, Walmart does have a partnership with Goodwill in which they operate donation centers in some of their stores. The proceeds from the donation centers go to support Goodwill’s mission.
