Every job found starts with a single opportunity. Every donation carries the potential to change a life. And every time someone shops at Goodwill, they become part of something bigger.
That’s what Goodwill Week is all about.
Goodwill Week Is Official in Wisconsin
Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations across the U.S. and Canada celebrate Goodwill Week. This year in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers made it official proclaiming May 3-9, 2026 as Goodwill Week recognizing the leaders, staff, supporters, and patrons of Goodwill and thanking them for their commitment to improving the lives of many through personalized and dignified services and care.
Governor Evers also recognized Goodwill for upholding the power of community and neighbors helping neighbors in this the “Year of the Neighbor,” which he declared in his final State of the State address this past February.
The Goodwill Week proclamation also recognized Goodwill for its efforts as one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of workforce development services and a leader in advancing the circular economy.
Opportunity Starts Here
At its core, Goodwill’s mission is about opportunity.
Through our mission programs and services provided, Goodwill helps people earn jobs, advance their careers, and transform their lives. During Goodwill week, Goodwill is highlighting how people are gaining skills, training, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.
Here in South Central Wisconsin and across the state, Goodwill plays a vital role in helping people take those next steps.
Supporting Every Step Forward
Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or overcoming barriers to employment, Goodwill provides the support needed to move forward.
For more than 55 years, Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin has been helping individuals build skills, find jobs, and support their families.
Beyond employment services, Goodwill also provides housing opportunities for low-income adults with disabilities and senior citizens, expanding its impact even further.
How Donations and Shopping Make an Impact
And that impact is made possible in a simple, powerful way—through donations and shopping.
When you donate gently used items or shop at a Goodwill store, you’re doing more than clearing out a closet or finding a great deal. You’re contributing to a cycle of opportunity.
Those items are given a second life, supporting both environmental sustainability and critical community programs.
The Impact by the Numbers
Last year alone, Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin diverted more than 16.7 million pounds of items from area landfills—including over 257,000 pounds of electronics that were responsibly recycled.
That’s millions of pounds kept out of waste streams—and thousands of opportunities created for people in our community.
You Are Part of the Impact
This Goodwill Week, the message is simple: you are part of the impact.
Every donation. Every purchase. Every moment of support helps strengthen communities and create pathways to independence.
Join us in celebrating Goodwill Week—and see how your everyday actions can help change lives.