Goodwill Plans Earth Day Events

April 13, 2010 - PRLog -- April 22, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida hopes to promote environmental responsibility in our area by hosting two Earth Day events.

On Wednesday, April 21, Goodwill (http://www.goodwillswfl.org) is teaming with Florida Community Bank’s Caloosa Shores branch (11390 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers) to host a shred day and donation drive.  From 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Goodwill Secure Shred will offer free shredding of one bag or box of documents (additional bags or boxes will be destroyed for $5.00 each).  At the same time and location, Goodwill’s retail arm will also accept donations of gently-used clothing, accessories, and housewares.

On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, Goodwill Secure Shred will host a free shredding event at its North Fort Myers facility (4940 Bayline Dr).  Complimentary document shredding will be available 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Goodwill’s Secure Shred document destruction division (http://www.goodwillswfl.org/contract_services.htm) securely processes sensitive documents and other materials, such as newspaper, for numerous area businesses and agencies.  All paper shredded by Goodwill Secure Shred is pulped and then transformed into paper products.  No paper is ever sent to the landfill.  Secure Shred also provides jobs for local individuals with severe disabilities.

Through repurposing used and unwanted goods, Goodwill has been an environmental pioneer for over a century.  Last year, in Southwest Florida alone, Goodwill’s Retail and Donation Centers received more than 22 million pounds of donated goods, which may otherwise have been sent to area landfills.  Revenue from the sale of these donations helps Goodwill provide job training and placement, along with other social services for people with disabilities and other disadvantages in our community.

More information about Goodwill's programs and services is available at http://www.goodwillswfl.org.

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Goodwill operates 24 thrift stores in SW Florida to support its mission of removing barriers to independence. Programs include income-sensitive housing, career placement assistance, the L.I.F.E. Academy Charter School, Four Wheels for Work, and others.