Create a stylish, memorable wedding day on a budget Did you know Goodwill has more than almost 15 wedding dresses?

  Much has changed since the onset of the global pandemic, especially how we celebrate momentous occasions in life — especially weddings. 

Salinas, CA, April 07, 2021 - This special day has been reimagined by couples, with a focus on smaller, safer, cheaper and more meaningful celebrations. 

According to a 2019 study by The Knot wedding website, the average cost of a wedding in the United States checked in at $33,900 (including the engagement ring). That figure is sure to plummet in 2021 as the official wedding season approaches. Approximately 78 percent of all weddings take place between the months of May and October. The warm, sunny weather makes this time ideal for ceremonies, especially those held outdoors. 

https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Listings?st=wedding%20dress&sg=&c=&s=&lp=0&hp=999999&sbn=false&spo=false&snpo=false&socs=false&sd=false&sca=false&caed=4/2/2021&cadb=7&scs=false&sis=false&col=0&p=1&ps=40&desc=false&ss=0&UseBuyerPrefs=true 

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are few things you shouldn’t skimp on. But many couples are turning to a more DIY approach when it comes to their big day. After all, what’s really more important, a meaningful celebration of a lifelong bond or showing off flashy, expensive “extras” that suddenly seem a bit distasteful. 

That’s where Goodwill Central Coast comes into play. Whether you’re attending a wedding and need to scour the racks for a one-of-a-kind outfit, or trying to trim costs as the host of the big day,  Goodwill has you covered. 

Plus, while you’re keeping to your budget, you’re also helping out members of our community find employment through Goodwill’s programs. Truly a win-win. 

A day of love and thrift

It’s common knowledge that weddings are expensive. But more and more couples are choosing a more thrifty, do-it-yourself experience. They also want to consider their eco-footprint. In the end it feels better to use something again, rather than wastefully buying something new. 

Goodwill to the rescue! Here are some easy ways to cut costs in ways that will go unnoticed: 

Sometimes brides can get lucky and find their wedding dress at Goodwill, but certainly a search for proper shoes will reap benefits. 

Shop for secondhand jewelry at Goodwill stores or online at www.shopgoodwill.com. You can score brooches, barrettes and baubles for a fraction of the cost of new items found at a typical bridal shop. 

Floral displays are costly, but you will definitely want to include some blooms at the reception. The secret is to limit them, and fill the rest of the table space with a mixture of thrifted items such books, tins and candles. To enhance each centerpiece, add family photos displayed in mismatched picture frames and mason jars. 

Use old, interesting, hardbound books and quirky cups as vases that look great filled with baby’s breath or greenery. 

If you don’t choose an established wedding venue, you may have to go out in search of dishes. Goodwill always has lots of reasonably priced dishes and glassware that will save you money and give the event a fun, eclectic feel. After your thrifted wedding, you can either pass on the collection to another bride or donate everything back to Goodwill. It would be a gift that keeps on giving. 

Turn plain white sheets into table runners, and use extra cloth to line the flower-girl basket. 

No matter what style or theme you’re going for, glass hurricane vases are good to have on hand when decorating a space. It sets a great mood and they can be found at Goodwill for a steal. 

Everyone loves vintage-inspired weddings with tons of heirloom silver decor, but buying or renting silver pieces is often too expensive. For table centerpieces, pick up faux silver trays from Goodwill for about $1. 

Picture frames are so useful at weddings and a great way to display mementos, menus and event information. But they can be expensive. Instead of buying new, browse Goodwill stores for vintage, hinged frames that add just the right touch. 

Gold spray paint can turn anything luxe, from glass wine bottles to plastic serving tiers. Create the look of an expensive brass lantern by spray painting Goodwill picture frames and gluing them into a lantern shape. 

Instead of spending a fortune on silverware rentals, head to your local thrift store and pick out different designs. This not-so-matchy look is perfect for outdoor receptions and bohemian-inspired weddings. 

Head to Goodwill and collect vintage plates in different patterns and designs. You can also use vintage saucers for cake plates. A good rule of thumb for the coordinated-yet-mismatched look is to always have a theme. Pick a color that unifies different styles and patterns and the mismatch will look intentional. 

Everyone wants their wedding day to be special and memorable. But more and more couples are carefully evaluating what’s really important. Flowers and fashions and styles and colors and textures and linens will quickly fade from your memories. Love, family and friendship will never go out of style, and will always rise above any trend. 

And the money you save with your more thoughtful, thrifty wedding will go to support the combined life you have just created.Did you know Goodwill has more than almost 15 wedding dresses? 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
https://www.shopgoodwill.com

Governor Closes most Schools for Fall, But Goodwill has you Covered for All Back-to-Homeschool items

Goodwill Central Coast believes every child deserves an education in a safe and secure environment.

Salinas, CA, August 03, 2020 - Goodwill Central Coast believes every child deserves an education in a safe and secure environment. No one can predict what a “new normal” looks like, but Goodwill stands by to help its neighbors ease into it.

Now that 33 out of California’s 58 counties — about 90 percent of school children — do not comply with the state’s coronavirus infection benchmarks, most of our children will attend classes at home.

Goodwill’s 16 retail locations and two outlet stores throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are stocked and ready. One visit will reveal Goodwill to be the perfect “back to home-schooling” headquarters for kids and young adults alike.

Whether you’re supplementing a school’s distance-learning curriculum, or taking on full home-schooling responsibilities, Goodwill has you covered.

From books and media, to paper, notebooks, art supplies and clothing, we can outfit your home school — for less. And every purchase helps Goodwill in its mission to strengthen lives, families and communities by removing barriers to employment through education, training and employment services. And each purchase keeps items out of landfills, helping to protect the environment. Lesson No. 1 on the first day of homeschool!

The time is now to begin stockpiling supplies. You’ll have your most-used homeschool items on hand when you need them, and by purchasing them at a bargain, your homeschool budget won’t take a hit several months into the year due to restocking.

So what can back-to-school shoppers find at Goodwill? In a word — everything. And for every niche, too. Here are some popular items you will find during a socially distanced stroll your local Goodwill store.

● Notebooks and loose-leaf paper: Sure, it’s a digital age, but you can never have enough old-school paper. Writing by hand will never go out of style.
● Art supplies: With numerous departments brimming with possibilities, a creative student can find everything (from paints to crayons to fiber arts) that they need for school projects and hobbies.
● Pencils: Nothing can grow legs and walk off faster than a pencil. Give yourself a fighting chance by stocking up on several packs of your favorite pencils (and pens) at Goodwill.
● Sharpies: Homeschool families use Sharpies for many things during the course of a school year, so stockpile them now.
● Athletic attire and equipment: You need to keep your students moving, and these are always available at great prices at Goodwill.
Storage containers: Teach children of all ages the art of organizing by having storage for everything.
Toddler box items: It’s important to occupy younger kids while the older ones do their school work. Pick up some inexpensive puzzles, play dough, or other appropriate activities and put them in his/her own special box, only available to him at school time.
Books, games and puzzles: Goodwill is great for finding these treasures. You just have to dig around a bit, which is all part of the treasure hunt.
Finally, don’t forget clothing. Remember, fashion is important to kids of any age. Even though they will attend school at home, they still must get dressed in the morning! At Goodwill, students can find just what they need to update their wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Younger kids can grow quickly, so second-hand goods are the perfect way to save money, be prepared, and minimize your family’s environmental impact. Older kids are more aware of trends and brands, and Goodwill has you covered here as well. Dressing for success — for less. What a concept!

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccgoodwill.org/

Goodwill Remains Practical Option for Family Needs as Back-to-School Guidelines Continue to Change

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration that more than 5.5 million California students won’t be allowed to attend in-person classes this fall came as a relief to some parents, but a burden to others.

Salinas, CA, August 03, 2020- Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration that more than 5.5 million California students won’t be allowed to attend in-person classes this fall came as a relief to some parents, but a burden to others.

The governor came to the decision in light of rising coronavirus infections and hospitalizations throughout the state. It will have a major impact on working parents and children, who must remain at home.

Goodwill Central Coast believes every child deserves an education in a safe and secure environment. No one can predict what a “new normal” looks like in light of this pandemic, but Goodwill stands by to help its neighbors ease into it.

Goodwill’s 16 locations including 14 Stores and 2 Outlet locations throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are stocked and ready. One visit will reveal Goodwill to be the perfect “back to home-schooling” headquarters for kids and young adults alike.

Parents can supplement a school’s distance-learning curriculum, or take on full home-schooling responsibilities. Either way, Goodwill has you covered.

From books and media, to paper, notebooks, art supplies and clothing, Goodwill can outfit your home school — for less. And every purchase helps Goodwill in its mission to strengthen lives, families and communities by removing barriers to employment through education, training and employment services. And each purchase keeps items out of landfills, helping to protect the environment. That could be Lesson No. 1 on the first day of homeschool.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccgoodwill.org/

Decluttering can actually Make us Happier People, but Donating Unwanted items to Goodwill Helps Create Jobs — and that’s the best Feeling of all

How can cleaning your house possibly make you feel good? Well, studies show that taking the time to thoroughly clean and maintain a tidy home makes people happier.

Salinas, CA, February 05, 2020 - How can cleaning your house possibly make you feel good? Well, studies show that taking the time to thoroughly clean and maintain a tidy home makes people happier.

The act of cleaning provides a sense of satisfaction, which in turn can put you in a good mood, and being more organized reduces stress. Beyond that, if you declutter and donate unwanted or unused items to Goodwill of the Central Coast, a real sense of satisfaction takes place, because your stuff fuels job training programs, making a positive difference in your community.

Here is a step-by-step guide to donate to Goodwill:

Find stuff to donate. A good place to start is your closet, basement or garage. In addition to clothing, small appliances and home decor, some Goodwill locations accept computer equipment and even vehicles.

Gather items in one place. Look them over one last time. Take a deep breath and learn to let go. If donating electrical equipment or battery-operated items, it is helpful to test them out first. Also, we appreciate it if all clothes are washed or dry cleaned.

Locate a Goodwill store near you. Use our locator to find the nearest career center (for help finding a job), retail store, donation site, or outlet store (which sells items in bulk), operated by our network of 157 independent, community-based Goodwills. Go to goodwill.org and use your zip or postal code. If you aren't sure if your local Goodwill accepts something you wish to donate, just give them a call.

Donate your items. Remember, when you donate to Goodwill, you are making a real difference in people’s lives. After you drop off your clothes, blankets, electronics, and other items, Goodwill sells them in stores or online at shopgoodwill.com. When someone buys your item, local Goodwill organizations use that money to provide job training and other services for people in your community.

Get a receipt so you can claim a tax deduction later. Your gift just keeps on giving!

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.shopgoodwill.com