Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is grateful for the goodwill of our community, knowing Arizonans have a choice of where to bring their used clothing, household goods, and furniture. Without your generosity, we couldn’t do what we do. We’re proud of the fact that our career services provide digital skills training, career assessment, and more and are available to everyone at no-cost, all thanks to your goodwill.
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is deeply rooted in the local community and positively impacts Arizonans every day. Working as a catalyst for positive change, we take a neighborly approach through our local Goodwill locations where you can drop off your unneeded items.
Since the items we sell at our retail stores range from classy to cool to unconventional—some would even say quirky—shopping at Goodwill is an adventure. In fact, quirkiness is part of our personality and lends a sense of fun and friendliness to the shopping experience. You never know what you might find—from vintage clothing and furniture to modern household goods, unexpected treasures await you.
Whether you’re donating or shopping for goods, your goodwill becomes an opportunity for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona to be your steward in ending poverty through the power of work and promoting a sustainable environment in Arizona. We divert millions of pounds of material from going directly into Arizona landfills every year. We’re empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building stronger communities.
Our History
Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms with the mission to give people hope, dignity, and independence. Goodwill started with Helms walking door-to-door in Boston’s wealthiest districts, carrying burlap bags, and asking for donations of clothing and household goods. From day one, the Goodwill mission differed from many charities at the time. Helms emphasized that donated goods would be sold for profit and that the money would be used to pay workers who helped refurbish the goods.
The original concept was so visionary that it is just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. Founded in 1947, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona currently provides no-cost career services to community members across Arizona who require assistance connecting to jobs and landing meaningful employment. Every year, we serve our communities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to achieve self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.
Community Partners
- A New Leaf
- Arizona@Work
- Arizona State University
- Arizona Veteran’s StandDown
- Child Crisis Arizona
- City of Phoenix
- Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
- Girl Scouts Pine Council
- Maricopa Workforce Connections
- Maximus
- Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG)
- Phoenix Workforce Connections
- St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
Awards
- Social Enterprise Award by Arizona Business Magazine
- “Best Places to Work,” large company category
- “Most Admired Company” award winner from AZ Magazine
- “Top 25 Workplaces for Women”
- #1 for “Best Non-Boutique Thrift Shop” in Phoenix New Times
- “Arizona Most Admired Companies” Award from Arizona Business Magazine and Best Companies AZ
- Environmental Stewardship Award from Keep Arizona Beautiful
- Volunteer Program of the Year award from Goodwill Industries International
- Winner of Arizona Business Magazine’s “Industry Leaders of Arizona” Award in the retail category
- Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce “Impact Awards” Winner
- AZCentral’s Critic’s Pick: “Best Thrift Store”
- Winner of the 2019 Arizona Recycling Coalition Awards for “Recycling Excellence” in the non-profit category