GET THE FACTS ABOUT ONLINE RUMORS!

Members of our community may come across an email or social media post titled “Think Before You Donate” that spreads misinformation about various nonprofits, including Goodwill. This inaccurate information has been circulating for quite some time. We understand the importance of ensuring that your donations are put to good use, which is why Goodwill of Southern New England is here to provide you with accurate information.

We urge you to exercise caution and thoroughly research the charities you wish to support before donating. It is crucial to fact-check your sources, and we recommend utilizing GuideStar for reliable information. Goodwill encourages you to be informed and thoughtful when choosing where to donate your resources.

RUMOR: Goodwill of Southern New England is a for-profit company.

• TRUTH: This is the biggest rumor we hear and it is not true. Goodwill of Southern New England is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with roots going back to 1863, right after the Civil War, operating as the Irrepressible Society of Rhode Island. Goodwill maintains a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

RUMOR: Several variations of a hoax email called “Think Before You Donate” claim that Mark Curran is the CEO and owner of Goodwill earning 2.3 million dollars a year.

• TRUTH: Goodwill of Southern New England does not have a CEO and is not under the ownership of Mark Curran. H. Richard Borer Jr. is the President of Goodwill of Southern New England. As a nonprofit, Goodwill is governed by a board of directors which is made up of volunteers from the communities we serve.

RUMOR: You shouldn’t donate to Goodwill of Southern New England because they don’t help anyone.

• TRUTH: Goodwill was established by Edgar J. Helms with the philosophy of providing “a hand up, not a handout.” This mission remains steadfast today. We are committed to not only offering assistance to individuals in need but also to empowering them with the necessary skills for long-term success. Since 2015, our organization has positively impacted over 15,000 individuals through our programs, resulting in the placement of over 4,000 individuals into gainful employment opportunities.

RUMOR: There is a viral Facebook rumor that began circulating in 2017 alleging that Goodwill refused to provide a sweatshirt and work boots to an individual with a disability, Mr. Muncy.

• TRUTH: This anecdote, though largely fabricated, alludes to an incident that occurred years ago at a Midwest Goodwill store. It has since been circulated on social media by numerous individuals purporting to be Mr. Muncy’s parents. The original Facebook post contained numerous inaccuracies and failed to provide crucial context. The young man in question was accompanied by his case manager while shopping, and they inquired about a voucher. However, it should be noted that the voucher program had specific limitations, as highlighted by the concerned individual on Facebook. To clarify, the $50 voucher was intended for adults over the age of 18 facing emergency circumstances. The young man did ultimately receive a voucher tailored to his situation, and both he and his case manager expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the local Goodwill and the individual who generously purchased additional clothing for him.

RUMOR: All high-quality donated items are prioritized for sale to employees.

• TRUTH: At Goodwill of Southern New England, we have a strict policy prohibiting employees from purchasing items in the store where they are employed. Violations of this policy are not tolerated.

RUMOR: Goodwill of Southern New England pockets the money they receive from selling the items they get for free.

• TRUTH: Roughly 85 cents of every dollar earned supports our mission. The revenue generated from the sales of donated goods plays a crucial role in funding the programs and services we provide to our clients. Additionally, this revenue is essential for the overall operation of our organization. We are dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities and other challenges in improving their lives and creating brighter futures. By promoting inclusivity and offering person-centered employment, training, and services, we strive to strengthen communities and support individuals of all abilities.