Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) organization. Proceeds generated from the sale of generously donated items are used to fund our mission.
Our mission is to offer opportunities to people with barriers of all kinds to improve their economic self-sufficiency through training, education, support services and employment.
We serve any individual with barriers to employment. This can include individuals with disabilities, men or women who are currently or formerly involved in the justice system, young adults aging out of foster care, veterans experiencing homelessness and more. Our services are designed to meet the specific needs of our local community members.
Goodwill helps individuals with barriers to employment find work in various ways including access to certification programs, training in basic computer and internet skills, resume writing assistance, job search skills and more.
Goodwill’s services are supported by the proceeds generated by our retail stores as well as local, state and federal grant funding, so individuals seeking the assistance of our Mission Services programs do not have to pay.
We do not. The minimum starting rate for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana retail employees is $10.50 per hour, which is 45% higher than the state of Louisiana’s minimum wage. We also offer a full range of benefits to both part-time and full-time employees.
Goodwill’s thrift stores fund a great cause – helping people build skills, find employment and develop a career. The proceeds generated through the sale of your generously donated items support various services, training and education for those facing barriers to employment. Click here to learn more about our Mission Services.
Yes, your donation is tax deductible. Please be sure to take a receipt from the attendant who receives your donation.
Goodwill welcomes your donation of gently used clothing, shoes, books, electronics, furniture, housewares and more. Click here to view a more comprehensive list of items we accept.
Items Goodwill cannot accept include vehicles, batteries, building materials, car seats, baby furniture, CRT tube televisions, tires and wet clothing. Click here to view a more comprehensive list of items we cannot accept.
Yes, we accept electronic equipment that is no longer usable. Many Goodwills, including Goodwill SELA, have partnered with Dell Reconnect to collect and recycle unwanted technology (e-waste) in an effort to protect the environment. Items such as computer monitors, laptops, printers, mice, speakers, cables and more can be donated at your local Goodwill.
Donations can be dropped off at any of our 22 retail locations, as well as our attended donation center. All locations are open Monday-Saturday from 9AM-8PM and Sunday from 10AM-6PM. Click here to find the nearest location.
An attended donation center is a Goodwill location that accepts donations from community members but does not sell any merchandise.
Goodwill recycles many donated items that do not sell in our retail stores. Items recycled – including clothing, purses, shoes, metal, books, media, computers, electronics, appliances and household items – we keep over 9,000,000 pounds of material a year out of local landfills, while also generating revenue to support our mission.
All sales are final except for electronics. Customers have seven (7) days to return electronics with a receipt.
Pink tagged items are new goods not donated by community members. Goodwill pays for these items and sells them at a very low cost to customers, therefore they are not eligible for discounting.
Goodwill frequently partners with individuals, groups and organizations to host donation drives. Please call 504-456-2622 to contact our Community Relations department.
Any questions or concerns can be emailed to info@goodwillno.org.