Fun Facts: What's The Truth Behind Goodwill Acadiana?

There's a lot of talk out there about what Goodwill really does with your donations and dollars. Some of it's true, and some of it isn't. We want to set the record straight and give you an honest look at who we are and how we work, right here in Acadiana.

Same Brand, Different Backyard

Goodwill may be a national brand, but it's not one big company. It's actually a network of 150+ independent regional nonprofits, each run by its own volunteer Board of Directors made up of local community leaders.

Each nonprofit hires a CEO to manage staff, stores, and programs, but the CEO reports to the board, not an owner. There's no owner calling the shots from the top.

Since we're all separate agencies, what happens at a Goodwill in another state doesn't really have anything to do with Goodwill Acadiana. We're 100% local, serving only our neighbors right here in Acadiana.

Where Does Your Money Go?

Since Goodwill has no owner, that means there is no profit going out the door. Every dollar you spend or donate funds programs that stays in your community because we are a local organization serving only Acadiana.

Our programs include Adult Education (HiSET), Employment Services, Court-Appointed Community Service, Crisis Assistance, Supported Employment Program, Pre-vocational Habilitation, Affordable Housing, and more.

Making a Difference, not a Profit

At Goodwill Acadiana, we believe in second chances. Every day, we work to make a real difference in our community, and the impact reaches further than you think. Whether we help one person or fifty, that ripple effect touches families, friends, and neighbors across Acadiana.

Every time you shop or donate at one of our stores, you're helping your neighbors in need!

Join us in our mission to reduce poverty, restore independence, and transform lives in Acadiana. Donate or shop today and be part of the change!

Give Acadiana Day: 5 Nonprofits, 1 Donation Drive

Join us on August 8, 2026, for Give Acadiana Day, a donation drive at the Cajundome and other satellite locations around Acadiana.

Goodwill Acadiana is teaming up with Catholic Charities of Acadiana, Gifting Grace Project, Habitat for Humanity, and Second Harvest Food Bank to make it happen. Bring your gently used items between 8 am and 2 pm and help your neighbors right here in Acadiana.

Visit the Give Acadiana Day website for more details!

Five Missions, One Goal

Every nonprofit in this donation drive is working to make Acadiana better, just in different ways. Some help families find a home. Some help kids feel hope again. Some make sure a plate of food is on the table. We're joining forces for one day to create a bigger, lasting impact for our community. Here's a look at who we are and who we serve:

Goodwill Acadiana helps our neighbors find meaningful jobs, get their high school diploma for free, and receive compassionate support in time of need through crisis assistance, affordable housing, and more. All services are offered free of cost and funded through donations and purchases in their thrift stores. Every donation and purchase stays local, fueling opportunities and transforming lives across Acadiana.

Catholic Charities of Acadiana serves our neighbors in need through a wide range of programs that address hunger, homelessness, housing, disaster recovery, and other essential services. Guided by their mission to care for all human life, especially the most vulnerable, they affirm the dignity of every person and help individuals and families move from crisis towards stability.

Gifting Grace Project exists to freely love, serve, and support homeless and vulnerable children. They annually reach over 2,000 children and teens across Acadiana, partnering with school homeless programs and other local nonprofits to provide free school supplies and other basic necessities. Donor-supported and volunteer-driven, they believe restoring a child's hope is one of the simplest, most meaningful things they can do.

Lafayette Habitat for Humanity builds strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. They partner with local families and supporters to construct affordable, safe, and energy-efficient homes. Through homebuilding and their ReStore, they’re helping families build equity, invest in their futures, and break the cycle of housing instability. creating stronger neighborhoods and a more vibrant Acadiana.

Second Harvest Food Bank leads the fight against hunger and builds food security in Acadiana. Through a network of community partners and specialized programs, they provide food access and resources to children, seniors, and families facing food insecurity. Their mission ensures that every person in our community has enough to eat, fostering health and stability across South Louisiana.

Different missions but one goal - a stronger Acadiana.

Everyone Needs Something Different

One of the best parts of this drive is that no matter what you have on hand, there's a place for it.

• Goodwill Acadiana is collecting gently used clothes and household items.

• Catholic Charities of Acadiana needs 25-foot professional-grade tape measures, 8-ounce Styrofoam cups, and gallon-sized liquid laundry detergent.

• With the school year right around the corner, Gifting Grace Project is gathering backpacks and school supplies for local kids.

• Habitat for Humanity is accepting gently used furniture and appliances.

• Second Harvest Food Bank is collecting shelf-stable food like canned goods and other non-perishables.

Whatever you're able to give, chances are one of these nonprofits needs exactly that.

What Your Donations Make Possible

Every item you donate stays right here in Acadiana and goes straight to helping your neighbors. Once the drive wraps up, donations are split between the nonprofits based on what their community needs most.

• That backpack could help a kid start the school year with confidence.

• That tape measure could help a family move into a safe, affordable home.

• That can of food could be dinner for a family going through a hard time.

When you give, you're not just donating an item, you're helping someone in Acadiana get a step closer to stability and change.

Join Us on August 8th

Getting involved is simple. Show up, bring what you can, and give. If you don't have items to donate, your time is just as valuable. We need volunteers too, whether it's helping unload donations or greeting folks as they arrive. However you choose to show up, you're helping change someone's life right here in Acadiana.

See you on August 8th!

Donating Just Got Easier: Goodwill's Trailer Comes to You

Convenience, Delivered

In 2024, Goodwill Acadiana rolled out something new - a donation trailer that comes straight to you. No more loading up the car and driving across town for multiple trips. We bring the trailer to your neighborhood, your event, and even your business. Just reserve it on our website, and we'll show up right at your door, ready to take those bags off your hands.

Meeting You Halfway

Making donating easier isn't just about convenience. The purpose is to receive more donations to put into our stores, which means more funding for services right here in Acadiana. Every bag you drop off stays local, and it helps fund job training, adult education, employment services, crisis assistance, and affordable housing for your neighbors.

So, when you donate, you're clearing out a closet AND investing in your own community. And if driving that trailer to your door means we can help even one more person, we're willing to meet you halfway.

Ready When You Are

The reservation process is simple! Here's the step by step:

1. Head to our website and select your day and location! Reservations range from 24 - 72 hours.

2. Once we confirm availability, our driver will drop the trailer where you need it.

3. All you do is fill it up at your own pace

4. When you're done (or your reservation time is up), we'll haul your donations back to one of our local stores.

It's as simple as that! We park it, you pack it, we pull it.

We'll take almost anything, including, clothing, accessories, furniture, household items, appliances, sports equipment, and even used vehicles. The only things we can't accept are recalled items, mattresses, and large appliances, simply due to health and safety regulations. See the full list on our donate page!

The Mission Behind the Trailer

The next time you or your organization are planning a donation drive, let our trailer carry the load. It's a small ask on your end, but for someone in Acadiana, it could mean the difference between another hard week and a real second chance. Every item you donate helps fund services to support your neighbor working to get back on their feet. That's the kind of impact you can be part of.

Join us in our mission to reducing poverty, restoring independence, and transforming lives, right here at home!