Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit has announced a partnership with the Detroit Lions that will enable fans to donate gently used items at the Goodwill “Donate for Jobs” truck in front of Ford Field at home games this season starting with the first preseason game, Saturday, August 28.

The highest quality items collected will be sold at Goodwill’s flagship upscale retail store scheduled to open in Canton, Mich. this fall. Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit expects its first retail store in a decade to generate approximately $1 million in revenue in the first year, with proceeds funding local employment training and education programs.

“Metro Detroiters are a hard-working group, which explains their love for Detroit Lions Football,” said Lorna G. Utley, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. “The Lions are stepping up by helping us create ways for their dedicated fans to help their friends and neighbors become ‘Trained. Trusted. Ready to work.’”

From the time gates open until one hour after the game, fans can drop off items or monetary donations at the Goodwill truck located near one of Ford Field’s main gates. Contributors will receive a 20 percent off coupon for use during a non-game day at the Lions’ Store located at Ford Field.

The partnership also includes a Goodwill presence on the Detroit Lions’ website as well as in the team’s game day program and other fan communications.

“Goodwill is a leader in the fight against local unemployment for Metro Detroit and the surrounding areas,” said Tom Lewand, President of the Detroit Lions. “We’ve all been touched by the unemployment crisis and now our team and its fans can contribute directly to an organization whose mission is creating local jobs and helping people get back to work.”

In addition to visiting the Goodwill Industries “Donate for Jobs” truck at Ford Field on Detroit Lions game days, individuals wishing to donate new or gently used clothing or other items to Goodwill Industries may drop them off at the organization’s Detroit headquarters (3111 Grand River) or call (313) 964-3900 for more information. To make a financial contribution online, visit http://www.goodwilldetroit.org.

Since 1924, Goodwill Industries’ industrial operations division has been a Tier One supplier to the Ford Motor Company. Annually, hundreds of individuals receive hands-on training through this operation as part of their paid transitional work experience, performing kitting and light assembly work.

“Our longstanding work as a Ford Motor Company supplier has enabled thousands of Metro Detroit residents to overcome employment challenges and earn jobs,” Utley said. “In partnering with the Detroit Lions, we’re bringing fans at Ford Field the opportunity to make a difference in our region’s ongoing unemployment crisis.”

Goodwill Industries is the only organization in Southeast Michigan solely dedicated to helping local individuals overcome challenges and secure employment. In just the past two years of the organization’s nearly 90-year history, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit has placed more than 2,000 Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county individuals into new jobs, while providing education, training and career assistance to thousands more in the region.

For information, visit www.goodwilldetroit.org

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