“A hand up, not a hand out” was the message that Reverend Edgar J. Helms proclaimed when he started the first Goodwill in 1902. At a time when brands were tak
ing force, learning how best to get customers roped in, and make tremendous profit, Helms saw the needs that were not being adequately fulfilled. He started a brand that would defy the purposes of all the others, with his intent on increasing welfare rather than bank accounts. He not only aimed for inexpensive goods, but for work opportunities. The positive impact and growth of the company makes it still successful today, not only in America but around the globe.Edgar Helms began this endeavor by collecting goods from the more affluent areas in Boston. He then turned to the poor areas where he trained and hired unemployed people to fix these goods. The donations were then either given to those workers, or resold for a very affordable price. This system is the foundation for how this company still runs today. Goodwill has continued to run on donations that are in good condition which are sold at such reasonable prices that most people can afford to shop there. They also provide a huge number of jobs that are dependable with a decent income. They employ many people that might not be hired at other places, such as special needs or older people.
Goodwill helps to alleviate many of today’s issues, such as the environment and globalization. Instead of disposing goods to continue to pack landfills, this company recycles these goods to get the maximum use of them. The impact of human waste on the environment has degraded a lot of our land and resources, and Goodwill is doing what it can to help prevent further harm. Also, with the impact of many other brands globalizing and effecting people across the world, Goodwill is making a positive impact on that front as well. Goodwill has put stores, and made connections with similar companies to give assistance to other communities across the world who are in need of inexpensive goods and reliable jobs.
Goodwill is a nonprofit brand that stands to only benefit others and provide for the less fortunate. It attempts to help with whatever social, economic, and environmental problem that is happening. A brand with such a positive message is something that I can relate to. While other brands are in the business for their own benefit, I am happy to support a brand that does so much good for others.
