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Hit the Beach with Iconic Thrift Finds

By Julia Marchand

Throughout the year, I look forward to summertime. Not only for the obvious reasons: the warmth, the sun and the generally leisurely attitude that many people adopt, but also because summer brings trips to the ocean. I realize, of course, that we could go to the ocean any day, but what is the fun in going when it’s cold out? It’s summer now, so the time has come for this girl to plan a trip to the seaside!

Image via Dina Days

If you ask me, maxi dresses were made for just such a trip. They’re flowy so they’re comfortable for a car ride (we usually make the drive to Ogunquit, Maine which is almost two hours away), they’re light to keep things cool in the sun, and they’re long so everything stays PG even when a strong ocean breeze blows. On my upcoming trip, I’m likely to wear an outfit very similar to this one styled by blogger Dina of Dina’s Days. It goes perfectly with a bright jacket, which is necessary on any Northern Atlantic shore, just in case the clouds roll in. By the way, can you believe that this entire look was thrifted? The dress was only $1.50 at Dina’s local Goodwill! I love that style is so accessible through Goodwill stores.

Image via Seattle Goodwill

Speaking of style, these fab friends from Seattle Goodwill are killing it in their vintage swimsuits! The collection dates from the 1860s through the 1980s with immaculately preserved clothing and accessories for every occasion. This group would definitely catch my eye strolling along the beach together! Just imagine how many wonderful seaside memories were made in those suits over the years. For more photos, click through to their blog post!

Image via Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago

Can’t make it to the ocean right now? You can still pretend by decking out that dining area with a maritime feel. Merri from Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago swept me away with this gorgeous display. My favorite part is the rope used for napkin holders. It’s such a simple idea and easy to execute, but it really captures that nautical flair. Merri has lots of great tips on how to assemble your own beachy tablescape (I mean, who’d have thought of turning a bath loofa into aquatic-looking netting?), so make sure you stop by their blog for more!

Do you have any plans to head to the seaside this summer? Make sure you stop by any Goodwill stores you see on the way! Your support will help Goodwill to continue doing its part in preserving our planet – its oceans included – by serving as sustainability innovators. This is done by harnessing renewable energy, including installing solar panels on Goodwill roofs to becoming LEED certified. Let’s all contribute to the health of the planet so future generations can wear our swimsuits to the beach as part of their vintage collection!

Integrated Day Services Spotlight

Integrated Day Services builds independence and improve quality of life for individuals. They participate in many community activities and are focused on enhancing the lives of special needs adults and their families. Trained, caring staff use the resources available to help the participants with their goals in a safe, fun environment where they are treated like family. 

The activities that Integrated Day Services have recently participated in include: volunteering for the 2019 Litter Dash, Support Siouxland Soldiers, visiting the Orange City Tulip Festival, and sightseeing at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

Interested in helping support Integrated Day Services?  

Integrated Day Services is always looking for free or low-cost activities to participate in the community. If you have suggestions for activities or would like to make a monetary (tax deductible) donation for Integrated Day Services to participate in more activities, contact Vickie at 712-293-1488.

If you would like to donate supplies, Integrated Day Services needs: books, adult coloring books, canvases, paint, colored pencils, DIY craft boxes, and board games.

DIY Projects for Kids of All Ages

By Julia Marchand

Before I became a mom, I heard a whole slew of gripes from other parents. The one that kept recurring more often than any others was “Kids are expensive!” Creativity becomes imperative for those on a budget who don’t want their little ones to go without the games and goodies that make childhood special, so here are a few kid-approved projects to keep the little ones and your wallet happy…

Image via makeit-loveit.com

Fishing can happen any time of any day when it’s taking place right at home. I discovered this adorable little DIY fishing game lurking in the depths of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, Inc. (Cincinnati)’s Baby & Kids On A Budget pinboard. Reel in a few low-priced men’s shirts the next time you’re thrifting and get started on this project on your next rainy day! You’ll feel proud creating something from scratch and might just be able to bait your kids into playing quietly for more than five minutes!

Image via DelightfullyNoted.blogspot.com

By now you probably already know that thrifting second-hand furniture is worlds cheaper than buying brand-new. That’s especially true when it comes to kids’ furniture! The worst part about paying full price for the furniture your kids will use is knowing that it will probably be drawn on, scratched, and stickered in no time. Why not start with furniture that is already conducive to your kids’ creativity? Jennifer crafted this truly inspiring playroom and shared it on her blog, Delightfully Noted. It includes a kids’ table that she scored at Goodwill for just $2 and transformed into a chalkboard to stay one step ahead of those inevitable doodles! Go ahead, little ones, draw on!

Image via Pinterest.com/GoodwillSCWI

Who said everything in your kid’s room can’t be just as fun as the toys they request? I challenge you to turn the most boring object you can think of (a dresser, perhaps?) into something exciting for your bambinos! It really can be as simple as slapping a fresh coat of bright paint on a Goodwill bureau and swapping out the regular knobs for toys you grabbed on your way to the check out, too! I found the above project idea on Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin, Inc. (Madison)’s pinboard of DIY Ideas and instantly loved its kid-friendly quirkiness.

These days I don’t have to trust other parents when they tell me how costly raising a child can be because I know, first hand, that it’s true. Thankfully, I drive past Goodwill every day on my way to and from work so I can easily swing in. Goodwill doesn’t just help my family to live a better life, but it does so for many other families as well. Goodwill agencies have actually been recognized for their forward-thinking family financial stability practices that allow program participants as well as employees and their families to access individual education and training needs that include debit management, budget and credit counseling, and educational workshops. With familial support like that, I am proud to invest my hard-earned dollars in Goodwill stores and come home to my own family a little more inspired.

Three Reasons Why Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace Is Essential

By Randy Wooden, Director, Professional Center by Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace brings value to the company and you as an individual.

Many of us first think of gender and race when considering diversity; it extends well beyond that to include national origin, age, culture, faith, disabilities, introvert/extrovert and a whole host of other areas.

Today, let’s look at a few ways diversity and inclusion add value.

#1.  A diverse and inclusive work culture can lead to more creativity and innovation. Diversity brings varied experiences – perhaps new and better ways of delivering different products and services, and inclusive teams out-perform their peers in innovation. The status quo might be comfortable, but companies which cannot or won’t adapt to change are destined to fade away.

Today’s economy is far better than that of several years ago. Qualified applicants are fewer and farther between, and diverse hiring gives a company a wider candidate pool.

It builds team morale when employees see their organization inclusively embracing diversity; they feel more comfortable sharing their opinions and experiences.

#2.  A diverse workforce helps a company engage with customers differently. If a company wants to reach a new market, it helps to have team members who know and understand target customers and can customize products or services.

Businesses know consumers want more than a good product at a good price. Today, social awareness, giving back to the community, and reflecting the customer base are reasons some consumers choose to do business with a company and how the business attracts good employees. A company’s commitment to diversity helps the bottom line, so owners and investors value it.

#3.  Diversity and inclusion benefits all of us. Many of us grew up with and have worked with those whose backgrounds and experiences are just like ours.

As we expand our experiences, we meet diverse people with a whole host of different life experiences. It opens our eyes to different ways of thinking and doing things.

Our communities are increasingly diverse. Diversity and inclusion at work move us from tolerance to acceptance to embracing our differences in an ever-changing world.

DIY Projects for the Perfect Summer Party

By Julia Marchand

It’s July, which means that it’s prime time for backyard parties. With longer hours of sunshine and soft breezes to offer relief from the heat (and from the bugs!), I find myself looking for an excuse to stay outside as long as possible. I’ve also recently found a few super fun DIY party projects that I am eager to try out. Who’s got a birthday coming up? I may need to throw you the perfect backyard summer fiesta.

Image via DesignImprovised.com

Before the big event, a little party prep is required. The menu will be set and the décor planned, but it’s the little extra touches – like presentation – that really set the tone. That’s why I love these embellished serving trays decorated by Haeley of Design Improvised (one of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio’s official bloggers!). With just a little paint, thrifted trays go from blah to BAM! and they don’t break the bank either.

Image via Blog.GoodwillSC.org

For a little celebration style, these easy party hats are a must. The template is available via Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, and, of course, the faux flowers can be found in Goodwill stores! Even if your friends are just popping by after work, topping them with a cap like this will instantly transform them into party mode. You could even have guests make their own as an activity to keep hands busy while the conversation flows.

Image via StyleMePretty.com

What’s a party without gifts? You know how it works for a birthday or shower, but even a just-for-fun party can be amped up with favors. I am constantly seeing embroidery hoops at my local Goodwill stores, so when I spotted these DIY tambourines made from the hoops on Style Me Pretty I just loved the idea of trying it out for myself. I actually already have a whole bunch of lace that I found once while thrifting so it would be almost effortless for me to whip up some of these cuties to hand out to guests.

If all of this sounds great, but you’re looking for a reason to celebrate, how about this: Every 27 seconds of every business day, a person served by Goodwill earns a good job. Every 3 seconds, another person accesses Goodwill opportunities to build careers and strong families. So many people around the world are struggling to support their families so Goodwill’s successes are truly something to applaud. And you’re helping, too, just by shopping at their retail stores. Keep up the great work and make sure you enjoy the summer before it’s over!