Our Mission

Originally published: Arkansas Gazette, 1928

To lift men from the levels of despair demoralizing idleness and to bring abandoned objects back into service, is the high mission being performed by the Goodwill Industries, carried on in connection with the activities of the Methodist Episcopal church throughout the United States, and several foreign countries. As a part of the world wide program of the larger organization, the local plant, 923 W 7th street, under the direction of Mrs. Carrie M. Weatherton, executive secretary, the service is being extended to the unfortunates of Little Rock.

Originally published: Arkansas Democrat, 1935

A nationally organized association, “to help the unemployed to help themselves” was outlined by Dr. Edgar James Helms of Boston, founder of Goodwill Industries, in an address to 100 officers, directors and supporters of the Little Rock unit who met at the Women’s City Club last night at a dinner given in his honor.

Originally published: Arkansas Democrat, 1951

The woman smiled as she ironed a garment with her left hand – the only hand she’s got. The elderly woman, who lost her right arm in accident 18 years ago, seemed to be taking things in her stride along with 38 other handicapped persons currently employed with Goodwill Industries, 7th and Cross. This is the way she puts it, “How can I miss what I don’t have?”

Originally published: Arkansas Gazette, 1969

Where in Arkansas, except at the Goodwill, could I buy a large new plastic pumpkin for 10 cents, an unopened package of 32 extra large Valentines for 19 cents, a clean fat Santa Claus pillow for five cents and a small 19 cent Chinese doll that will look fine after I add some black yarn hair, and wash, starch, and iron his light blue coat and dark pants?

Originally published: Arkansas Gazette, 1979

Girl Scouts from Junior Troop 423 of Pulaski Heights Intermediate School collect a shirt and a used food blender from Governor Bill Clinton.

Originally published: Arkansas Democrat, 1980

It is the smallest skills that can mean so much. Things such as learning to make a bed, cook and wash dishes or learning to tell time, make change and shop. The kinds of skills that most people learn in grade school and take for granted are the things that developmentally disabled adults often find so hard to attain.

Originally published: Arkansas Gazette, 1989

Veronic Haverluk of North Little Rock is a short person with big aspirations. Haverluk, 31, has a learning disability and suffers from dwarfism, according to Zetha Bone of Goodwill, who counseled Haverluk through Goodwill’s vocational rehabilitation program. She has a number of attributes that overshadow her handicaps, attributes that recently earned her a promotion from sacker to cashier at Harvest Foods Extra in North Little Rock.

Originally published: Arkansas Democrat, 2003

Sonia Dry was sorting piles of scratched juice glasses, trinkets and other goods donated to the Searcy Goodwill Store when she found a treasure buried in a box of junk. Beneath a stack of picture frames as a framed indentured servant agreement more than 300 years old, complete with wax seals.

Originally published: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2009

Established in 1927, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas offers training, education and employment services for people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities. The non-profit organization, which is affiliated with Goodwill Industries International, also provides job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Originally published: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2009

Brian Itzkowitz depends on countless volunteers—just about everybody in Arkansas. Itzkowitz, 42, is president and chief executive officer of Goodwill industries of Arkansas. Goodwill runs on its sales of used goods in 16 stores throughout the state, including two Goodwill shops in Little Rock.

Originally published: Jonesboro Sun, 2009

Concerns about the impact of technology products on the environment have increased, and companies everywhere are finding new ways to decrease that impact. Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is now doing its part by participating in the Reconnect program, a program created by Goodwill Industries International and Dell Inc. to help with the safe recycling of computers and computer equipment.

Originally published: Arkansas Business, 2010

Back in the olden days, the local thrift shop was often housed in a rundown storefront in a strip center that was 15 years past its prime, the type of location that was acceptable to a mixed clientele of low-income households and intrepid bargain hunters. In recent years, however, thrift shopping has become socially acceptable and many thrift stores have gone pro—more like a TJ Maxx than a musty –smelling church basement.

Originally published: Fox 16 News, 2010

It used to be no one wanted to be seen shopping at thrift stores, sifting through someone else’s leftovers, especially for back to school clothes. But now, saving money is fashionable. Goodwill just signed a lease at the former Circuit City building in west Little Rock, a sign of growth directly related to how the clientele of thrift shops is changing.

Originally published: Sync, 2011

A new 18,000 SF Goodwill thrift store located in west Little Rock opened its doors to an eager, bargain loving crowd earlier this month, making this Little Rock’s third retail store. Located in the former Circuit City building at 109 Markham Park Drive, the new store is in a convenient spot to shop or donate whenever you’re headed out west.

Originally published: Celebrate Magazine, 2011

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has changed lives every day through their stores and their career services since 1927. Without the help of generous individuals who donate items and their time, Goodwill wouldn’t be able to make the positive impact they have on other lives.