Jumpstart Your Back-to-School Shopping with Help from Goodwill!

Whether you (and your kids) are ready or not, back to school season is here at last! As we say goodbye to the carefree days of summer, it can be difficult to focus on getting organized for the school year ahead. Luckily, Ohio Valley Goodwill is here to make your back-to-school shopping a breeze!

Here are some of our top back-to-school shopping tips:

Let’s Make an Impact

Make it a teachable moment

Thrift shopping, or ” thrifting,” is a smart way to save money and do good for the environment at the same time! By buying secondhand clothing and goods instead of brand new, you’re reducing waste and keeping reusable items out of local landfills. Plus, when you choose to shop at Ohio Valley Goodwill, you also support our social mission to provide job skills training and employment services to individuals with disabilities and veterans living in the community. As you can see, shopping in a thrift store like Ohio Valley Goodwill is a valuable teaching moment, giving you a chance to demonstrate to your children the value of being environmentally and socially-conscious.

Back to School Cool with Goodwill

Buy a size up for growing kids

Especially if you have growing kids who may go up a size or two throughout the school year, buying back-to-school gear at Goodwill is the smart way to shop. Here’s a great tip for families with growing children: buy a few items in a size larger than your kid’s current size. Goodwill stocks everything your child needs for the school year, including jeans, shirts, jackets, sweaters, and more! You may even be able to find pieces needed for a school uniform (such as khaki pants or skirts and polo shirts) for less when you shop at Goodwill.

Don’t forget about accessories

Good news for families: Goodwill has much more than just clothing! You can also find stylish and affordable accessories, such as shoes, bags, and jewelry, at your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill store. Backpacks, lunch bags, tennis shoes, and belts are all back-to-school essentials to look for on your Goodwill shopping trip. You can even find books for students of all ages!

Clean and Organize with Goodwill

Donate first, then shop!

By now, you know that Goodwill is your headquarters for all things back-to-school. But before you restock your kids’ wardrobes with clothing and accessories, take a moment to go through their closet and clear out any items they don’t wear or need anymore. Any clothing that doesn’t fit anymore can be donated to Goodwill, along with shoes, accessories, books, furniture, and other household goods! Keep a bag or box in the corner of your kids’ rooms designated for Goodwill donations. Then, before your next shopping trip, drop off your donations to Goodwill. You’ll keep your home clean and tidy while doing good for your community! For a complete list of our donation center locations and home pick-up options, click here.

Find the Ohio Valley Goodwill retail store location nearest you and plan your back-to-school shopping now! For even more opportunities to save, check out our monthly sales calendar and register to have our special offers sent directly to your email. As always, thank you for shopping at Ohio Valley Goodwill!