At Goodwill Central Coast, we believe in the power of second chances — not just for items, but for people. Every gently used shirt, book, or piece of furniture you donate does more than just stay out of the landfill. It becomes a vital resource in helping individuals across the Central Coast access the tools they need for a better future.
Your donations fuel programs that go beyond the surface. They support job readiness, career training, and personal empowerment for people striving to overcome barriers to employment.
The truth is, the people we help at Goodwill Central Coast aren’t strangers. They could be any one of us — a friend facing unexpected job loss, a neighbor recovering from hardship, a fellow veteran re-entering civilian life or even a loved one rebuilding after life took an unexpected turn. They are ordinary people with extraordinary determination, working every day to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
When you choose to donate, you’re not just giving away items—you’re giving someone hope, dignity, and the chance to rise. It’s a powerful reminder that with a little help, anyone can overcome and thrive — and that change truly starts right here, in our own community.
How Your Donations Make a Difference
Each time you donate to Goodwill Central Coast, you’re investing in a cycle of opportunity in the following ways:
- Job readiness begins with dignity: Our programs focus on foundational skills like resume building, interview preparation, and basic digital literacy. These essential services restore confidence, offering participants a renewed sense of purpose and dignity.
- Career training for a changing workforce: From retail to healthcare, we offer industry-specific training that equips people with in-demand skills. With expert guidance and real-world experience, our trainees gain the qualifications and confidence needed to succeed in today’s job market.
- Support beyond the job: We go further than job placement. Our empowerment programs include financial literacy, goal setting, and continued mentorship. We believe success isn’t just about getting a job — it’s about building a life with stability and hope.
The power to make a difference
Your closets, garages and storage spaces hold more than unused items—they hold opportunity. By donating to Goodwill Central Coast, you’re helping provide:
- Employment services: Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or looking for a new career, GCC offers a variety of services to support you throughout every step of your employment journey.
- Training opportunities: We offer a variety of programs that can support your training goals including obtaining a variety of certificates and/or obtaining a secondary education degree.
- Resources: Our free Opportunity Platform will help you achieve success, whatever that means to you! With trained Resource Specialists and a network of organizations, you will have access to all of the tools needed to achieve your goals.
Every item you donate helps fund programs that change lives—and every life changed strengthens our community.
Ready to give back?
We make it easy to donate! Visit any of our Donation Centers across the Central Coast, or schedule a home pickup for larger items within Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. To see if your donation qualifies for a free home pickup, please email pictures of the items you would like picked up along with your address and telephone number to donorservices@ccgoodwill.org. A scheduling manager will review your request and get back to you within one business day.
Not sure what to donate? We gratefully accept everything from clothing and accessories to small household appliances and furniture, electronics, books, fine china, art and other collectibles in good or new condition. You will find a more complete list of acceptable items here.
So before you toss out that gently worn jacket or that kitchen appliance collecting dust, think about the new purpose it could serve. At Goodwill Central Coast, every donated item becomes a building block for someone’s journey toward independence, stability, and success. Your generosity doesn’t just clear space in your home—it creates space for growth, opportunity, and transformation in someone else’s life. Let your unused items find new purpose—and empower someone’s future. Together, we can make a lasting difference, one donation at a time.
Learn more about our mission and services at ccgoodwill.org.
