Donation Drive to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Goodwill Manasota is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County (BGCSC) for a donation drive from July 21 through August 2 to benefit Great Futures Academy, a program that works to prevent summer learning loss.

A Goodwill Manasota truck will be in the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club parking lot on Fruitville Road from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day to accept clothing, shoes, books and small household items. Goodwill Manasota will make a cash contribution to BGCSC for every pound of donations received.

“We are proud to partner with Goodwill Manasota, where the proceeds from this collaborative Donation Drive will greatly help our Great Futures Academy students stay on track academically during the summer break," said Bill Sadlo, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. "Improving the lives of our kids, and their families, is strategically beneficial to the entire Sarasota Community."

The Great Futures Academy program has enrolled 60 children, up to third grade. The students are taught in a controlled educational environment every morning for three hours during the summer months. The program also employs social workers to assist parents of these same children to further their education, enhance job skills and strengthen parenting skills. Other partners for the donation drive include the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, United Way Suncoast, the Rotary Club of Sarasota, and 106.5 CTQ. CTQ personality Maverick will be on location to greet donors on July 22 from 12 - 2 p.m.

“Education is a central focus for Goodwill," said Bob Rosinsky, president & CEO of Goodwill Manasota. "In fact, Goodwill invested 15,000 hours into education for team members and partners last year, because we know it’s that important. We are excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County for this donation drive, so that we can help them prevent summer learning loss for students in our community.”

Donations can be dropped off during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the donation drive. A Goodwill Manasota truck will be located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota to collect donations. For more information, call Rick Hughes at 941.355.2721 at x114.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2013, we served more than 16,000 people, placed 537 people in jobs and assisted 329 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million.  We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America.  Goodwill has provided opportunities through such programs as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, American Veterans & their Families Initiative, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, GoodwillWorks, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 37 million pounds out of the landfill.  Goodwill Manasota is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is NOT owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG.