What makes a community truly thrive? At Goodwill Central Coast, we believe it’s the power of connection, generosity and shared purpose. Every act of giving—whether through donations, shopping, or advocacy—creates a ripple effect that strengthens the economic, environmental and social fabric of our Central Coast region.
From Monterey to Santa Cruz to San Luis Obispo counties, your support fuels real change. Every item donated and every purchase made helps us provide job training, employment opportunities, and critical services for those looking to build a better future. But what does that impact really look like? Let’s break it down.
How your support helps transforms lives
When you donate to Goodwill Central Coast, you’re not just giving away old clothes or household items—you’re giving people a second chance. Here’s how your generosity makes a difference:
- Job training and employment services: The sales from donated items fund essential career development programs, helping individuals gain the skills they need to secure meaningful employment.
- Sustainability and waste reduction: Your donations keep millions of pounds of goods out of landfills, promoting an eco-friendly, circular economy where items are repurposed and given a second life.
- Stronger local economy: By supporting Goodwill, you’re investing in your own community, helping people become self-sufficient and strengthening local businesses through workforce development.
In fact, each year we receive more than 630,000 donations, totaling millions of pounds of clothing and household goods. That’s millions of dollars in funding for job training and millions of pounds of waste diverted from our landfills—all thanks to you!
Making giving back easy
At Goodwill Central Coast, we make it simple to support your community with convenient and impactful donation options:
- Convenient donation drop-off sites: Find a location center near you to donate quickly and easily.
- Free home pickup for large donations: Have a significant amount to give? We’ll come to you! Just email donorservices@ccgoodwill.org with your address, phone number, and pictures of the items.
- Business, school and organization pickups: We offer weekly or monthly pickup services for local businesses, schools, and organizations across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. Call 800-894-8440 to schedule.
- Donate your car: Ready to declutter your garage and transform your space into something more functional? Through our partnership with Cars Helping Charities, transfer takes only a matter of minutes. Donating avoids all the headaches involved in trying to sell a vehicle and may, in the long run, be more profitable to you as a tax deduction. For more information or to fill out a vehicle donation request, visit here.
- Host a donation drive: Want to raise thousands of dollars for your school, club, or nonprofit? Goodwill Central Coast provides a trailer and a team member to help you collect and sort donations, making it a fun and rewarding way to engage your community.
Your role in a brighter future
Being part of a community isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you show up for those around you. Every donation, every purchase, and every act of support strengthens the Central Coast and empowers individuals to succeed.
Next time you clean out your closet or search for a unique thrift find, remember: You’re not just decluttering or shopping—you’re making an impact.
