In a celebration of 100 years dedicated to the mission of putting people to work, State Representative Kim Schofield and the Georgia House of Representatives have officially proclaimed June 19 as “Goodwill of North Georgia Day.”
Additionally, Gov. Brian Kemp has acknowledged the anniversary by issuing a commendation from his office, honoring the organization’s impactful legacy.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Goodwill of North Georgia has planned a range of events and community initiatives for fiscal year 2026.
Goodwill’s story began in 1902 when Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister in Boston, pioneered a mission-driven model that combined job creation with community reuse—collecting donated goods, employing those in need to repair them, and offering those goods back to the community.
Inspired by this legacy, a group of civic-minded Atlantans established Goodwill Industries of Atlanta in 1925. From its humble beginnings—operating out of a small house with a horse and wagon—the organization steadily grew, ultimately constructing its first permanent facility on Glenwood Avenue in 1972.
Over the decades, Goodwill expanded its reach through strategic mergers, including Vocational Transitions, Inc. in 1998, Kelley Diversified in 2005, and Toccoa Rehabilitation, Inc. later that same year. These moves helped shape what is now Goodwill of North Georgia. The organization serves 45 counties with 70 stores, more than 40 attended donation centers, 14 career centers, and a recently launched mobile career center.
To kick off the centennial celebration, Goodwill of North Georgia will host a special event at its oldest retail store in West End on June 19 at 1:30 p.m., located at 888 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW. The celebration will feature a historical reflection from President and CEO Keith Parker, alongside remarks from Sebastian Barron, Metro Atlanta Representative for Gov. Kemp.
As part of its centennial celebration, Goodwill is also launching its first-ever loyalty program — The Savvy Shoppers Club, designed to reward customers and enhance the shopping experience.
Members of the Savvy Shoppers Club can earn points on every purchase, with 1,000 points redeemable for a $25 reward. Savvy Shoppers will also have access to exclusive discounts, special events, be eligible for Goodwill’s first ever birthday rewards and more.
“Goodwill of North Georgia has been serving the community since 1925, and we plan to continue that service for the next 100 years,” said Keith Parker, president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia. “As the economy continues to evolve, we remain committed to workforce development and economic opportunity while also being a trusted destination for smart, sustainable shopping.”
Since opening its first no-cost career center in 1995, Goodwill of North Georgia has served more than 700,000 individuals and helped connect more than 300,000 people with jobs through high-demand training programs in areas such as welding, forklift operations, supply chain management, and highway construction. Goodwill has also supported more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, driving nearly $1 billion in annual economic impact across the region.
For more information about Goodwill of North Georgia’s 100th anniversary celebrations, visit www.goodwillng.org. To join the Savvy Shoppers Club, go to www.goodwillng.org/savvy.
