Welcome to Goodwill of Southern New England!

Whether you are on the hunt for a unique treasure, looking to give your items a second life, or seeking employment support, we are glad you are here. Your engagement with us drives our mission to foster independence and change lives through the power of work. To assist with your pathfinding, we have compiled answers to the most common questions from our community of shoppers, donors, and partners.

THE THRIFTING EXPERIENCE: FAQ FOR SHOPPERS
What is your return policy?

Because our inventory consists of unique, donated goods, most items are sold AS IS and are Final Sale (no refunds or store credits). This includes all clothing and general merchandise.

Electrical Items Exception: Electrical items may be returned within 24 hours of purchase for store credit only.

Requirements:

  • Must be a Goodwill Rewards member

  • Present a valid ID and original receipt

  • Item must have the original store tag attached

Note: All items purchased during a Super Sunday Sale are Final Sale and cannot be returned.

Do you offer a rewards program?

Yes! Our Goodwill Rewards program offers exclusive perks and rewards. Membership is also required for electrical item returns.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Apple Pay.

Do you offer any discounts or sales days?

Yes! We feature a “Color of the Week” where items tagged with a specific color are 50% off for the entire week. We also offer special discount days for seniors and military personnel. Follow us on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest Color of the Week. GoodwillSNE on all platforms.

Are the items in the store washed before they are sold?

Every item is inspected for quality and cleanliness before it hits the sales floor. However, due to the volume of donations we receive, we do not wash clothing. We recommend washing all clothing and textiles before wearing them.

Can I shop Goodwill of Southern New England online?

Absolutely! You can find some of our most unique and high-value treasures from the comfort of your home. Visit our listing pages on ShopGoodwill.com(CT), ShopGoodwill.com(RI), and eBay(CT+RI) to bid on jewelry, collectibles, designer fashion, and more.

How often do you restock the sales floor?

Constantly! Our team processes thousands of donations daily. New items are brought out to the sales floor every single hour, so the selection changes throughout the day.

GIVING GOODS A SECOND LIFE: FAQ FOR DONORS
Do you pick up furniture or large donations?

Yes! We partner with ReSupply to offer convenient, priority home pickups.

How it works:

  • Pickups available within 24–48 hours

  • Household items and furniture accepted

The Impact: Your donated items help fund job training and employment services in your community.

Schedule a priority pickup with ReSupply.

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Where can I drop off donations myself?

You can donate at any of our attended donation centers or retail stores throughout South-Central and Eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Please visit our Locations page to find the site nearest you, and only drop off items during posted operating hours.

What items do you NOT accept?

While we appreciate your generosity, we cannot accept certain items due to safety regulations and disposal costs, including:

  • Mattresses and box springs

  • CRT (tube) televisions

  • Cribs and car seats

  • Hazardous materials (chemicals, paint, fuels)

  • Large appliances such as stoves and refrigerators

Are my donations tax-deductible?

Yes, your donations of goods are tax deductible. The IRS requires the donor to assign values to donations. Remember, when placing a value on your donation, consider the condition, age and quality of the items you donated. You can download the IRS rules governing valuation, substantiation, record keeping and reporting of donations here IRS Publication 526 and IRS Publication 561 from the IRS website and/or consult a tax advisor if your situation so warrants.

Is there any paperwork I need to get from Goodwill when I make a non-cash donation?

Yes. You should receive a receipt with the name of the organization, date and location of the donation and a detailed description of the items donated. Unfortunately, Goodwill cannot give a duplicate receipt should the original be lost.

What forms will I need to file with my tax return for a non-cash donation?

If the total deduction is less than $500, you can claim the entire amount on a Schedule A. If your total deduction is more than $500, you will need to fill out the applicable sections of Form 8283 in addition to the Schedule A form.

Does the new rule substantiating single contributions of $250 or more apply to non-cash contributions?

Yes. Goodwill donation receipts meet all the additional documentation requirements.

Where does the money go when my donated items are sold?

Goodwill is a non-profit organization. When you donate items, we sell them in our stores. The revenue generated from those sales goes directly into funding our employment and community services programs, helping people with disabilities and other barriers find work and independence.

What happens to items that don’t sell in the store?

We strive for a zero-waste model. Items that don’t sell in our retail stores are moved to our Outlet Store (sold by the pound) or sent to responsible recycling partners. We work hard to keep items out of local landfills.

MISSION IN ACTION: FAQ FOR JOB SEEKERS & THE COMMUNITY
How does Goodwill help the community?

Revenue from our stores directly funds employment services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. When you shop or donate, you help neighbors build job skills and independence.

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I need help finding a job (not at Goodwill). Can you help me?

Yes, this is our mission! We offer free employment services through our Career Centers. We can help with resume writing, interview prep, and job placement with various local employers. Visit a Career Center near you to get started.

How do I apply to work at Goodwill?

We are always looking for great team members! Please visit our careers page to view current openings at our stores, donation centers, and corporate office. Please do not apply in person at the registers.

Who is eligible for your employment training programs?

Our services are designed to help anyone facing barriers to employment. This includes individuals with disabilities, people re-entering society after incarceration, youth, and those lacking work experience.

Do you offer court-ordered community service hours?

Yes, we often accommodate individuals needing to fulfill community service hours. Please contact the manager at your local store or our volunteer coordinator to see if there is availability and to complete the necessary paperwork.

What is the “Good Path” program?

Good Path is our comprehensive pre-employment training class designed specifically for individuals seeking to enter (or reenter) the workforce following a period of incarceration. It equips participants with the skills and resources needed to secure and retain employment.

COLLABORATE FOR GOOD: FAQ FOR PARTNERS & BUSINESSES
I am an employer; how can I hire graduates from your training programs?

We can connect you with pre-screened, motivated candidates who have completed our job training programs. Partnering with Goodwill reduces your recruitment costs and supports the community. Contact our Business Services team to learn more.

We are a local business; can we host a donation drive?

We love partnering with local businesses! hosting a donation drive is a great way to engage your employees and support the community. Please contact our Marketing or Donations department to set up the logistics and get collection bins.

Do you offer corporate volunteer days?

Yes! We offer group volunteer opportunities for companies looking for team-building activities that give back. Groups can help sort donations, organize sales floors, or assist with special events like the Fantasy of Lights.

Who do I contact regarding a marketing or media collaboration?

For press inquiries, brand ambassador partnerships, or media collaborations, please reach out to our Marketing Department.

Let’s Connect!