Goodwill: It’s more than you think

You might think — as many do — that Goodwill Industries is simply a place to donate those old blue jeans or books your children have outgrown. You figure others can then buy your gently used items at an affordable price — and you’re right. But, this doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of how Goodwill is changing lives here in Americus and Albany, Georgia.

Goodwill sells your donations and uses the proceeds to fund its job training, placement and advancement programs for people no matter their age, educational background or economic status.

Thanks to your donations, last year alone, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers’s Albany Career Center served thousands of people through job training, career counseling, resume preparation and more! It also placed 964 people into employment, resulting in an $18.57 million reinvestment back into the cities of Albany and Americus. Goodwill’s Albany Career Center also worked with many local companies to organize and conduct job recruitment fairs, which together resulted in hundreds of interviews and job placements.

As we celebrate Goodwill Industries Week, May 4-10, we want to say “Thank You” to the people of this great city whose continued support allows us to help people find and keep good jobs, through which they can enjoy the dignity and independence that work brings.

Jane P. Nichols

President and CEO

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers

Columbus

For some time now, many people at A.S. Staley Middle School have been concerned over the removal of the large bronze lettering “A National School of Excellence.” These letters were placed prominently on the building when A.S. Staley Middle School was named “A National School of Excellence” in 1990.

A.S. Staley Middle School was in fact an excellent school under an earlier administration. The faculty, staff and administration all worked together as a dynamic unit. Students were successful and made high scores on their tests. Discipline was great! The honor “A National School of Excellence” was well-deserved. It is an important part of A.S. Staley‘s history!

I have personally questioned the administration about the removal of the lettering. I have also submitted the question “through proper channels” through our school representative to the superintendent. The only explanation I have been given is “We want all the schools in Sumter County to look the same.” This means the other schools have not been awarded this distinction, so A.S. Staley Middle School can’t have it either. Would we also remove from the display case all of the athletic trophies which were won by earlier teams? I think not!

The title was awarded in earlier times and was well-deserved by A.S. Staley Middle School. We don’t feel that anyone had the right to remove the lettering that designated A.S. Staley as “A National School of Excellence.” Please put the letters back on our building!

Sue Statham, teacher