Goodwill San Antonio offers an array of Frequently Asked Questions in response to inquiries on services and programs we offer. Bookmark this page for future reference.
Donations
Why should I donate to Goodwill San Antonio rather than somewhere else?
When you donate to Goodwill San Antonio, your items are repurposed and given a second life by becoming the merchandise we sell in our stores. By diverting those items from the landfill, your donation is helping better our environment and also providing affordable goods to people in our community. More importantly, your donations provide a larger impact. Revenue generated from the sale of donated items through our stores, helps Goodwill San Antonio serve our mission of helping change lives through the power of work by providing:
Meaningful employment to people with life barriers, helping them achieve financial stability.
Coaching and case management services to team members so they can maintain stable employment and build a successful career path.
Certified vocational training for high-demand careers.
College and career readiness training to at-risk youth.
Dedicated career services to veterans transitioning from military service to the civilian world.
An environment where 1,500+ team members are engaged in serving a higher purpose as servant leaders in our community.
How do I find a donation center near me?
There are over 30 Goodwill San Antonio Donation Centers throughout the communities we serve. To find the nearest location, please click here.
What items may I donate to Goodwill San Antonio?
We accept items that are in good condition and can be sold “as is.” We make the best use of items that are clean, complete and in sellable condition. Computers, tablets, phones or any data bearing device are accepted in any condition.
For the safety of our team members and the community, we can only accept items that comply with environmental hazard and public safety rulings.
We are not able to accept:
- Batteries of any kind
- Baby Furniture
- Construction Material
- CRT monitors/ Tube TVs
- Guns/ Ammo
- Mattresses and Box Springs
- Refrigerators / Water Heaters
- Tires/ Rims / Auto Parts
What happens to the items I donate?
When you donate, you are supporting the Goodwill San Antonio mission of helping change lives through the power of work. We are very gracious of your donations and want to be good stewards of those items. Therefore, we ensure we maximize the value of each donated item.
Select donated items are sold via our online store, shopgoodwill.com. These items are exposed to a wider audience and price-driven by online demand.
The remaining donated items are the inventory for our stores, which enables individuals in our community to purchasing things at affordable prices. Those items not purchased in a store after 5 weeks are transferred to our Clearance Center. Majority of the items at the Clearance Center are sold by the pound. The remaining unpurchased items are recycled and sold to third-party vendors downstream.
Through our repurposing and recycling efforts, Goodwill San Antonio last year repurposed 19.5 million items for sale in our stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Additionally, we recycled 1.3 million pounds of hazardous electronic equipment.
Am I permitted to claim an IRS deduction for items I’ve donated?
Yes. Goodwill San Antonio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. According to the IRS, goods (in good, used condition or better) donated to us are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for your donated goods. You should keep the receipt for your tax records.
Can Goodwill San Antonio tell me the value of my donated items and how much I can claim for an IRS deduction?
According to IRS regulations, a non-profit organization cannot provide a donor with the dollar value of an in-kind gift. There are many sources to locate reasonable values for your donations. One source is a free program from Intuit called “It’s Deductible”. You may also find this document helpful: Donation Valuation Guide.
Keep in mind that IRS Form 8283 is only required when an in-kind donation exceeds $500 fair market value. Should the fair market value of a single item, or group of similar items, exceed $5,000, you must provide a certified appraised value of the item and Goodwill San Antonio will complete Part IV of Section B of IRS Form 8283.
I lost/misplaced my donation tax receipt. What do I do?
Unfortunately, we are not able to replace your donation tax receipt. However, you can list those donations on the next donation receipt.
I've been tracking my donations online through the DoingGoodSA.org and can no longer access them. What do I do now?
We have retired DoingGoodSA.org. To retrieve your donor history from DoingGoodSA.org, please email us at DoingGoodSA-Help@goodwillsa.org and include the following:
- The email address associated with the account
- The phone number associated with the account
- The number codes for each donation
We will provide you with the information you entered into the portal.
What are your donation centers hours of operation?
All free standing Donation Centers are open every day from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm with a closure from 1:00 - 2:00 pm for lunch. Donation Centers connected to a Goodwill San Antonio store operate under the same hours as the store. They are open from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm with the exception of:
Our Donation Center located at 406 West Commerce is open 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Sunday.
Our Donation Center located at 1048 Junction Highway in Kerrville is open 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and from 12:00 pm -5:00 pm on Sunday.
Our Clearance Center located at 7702 N. IH-35 is open 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Sunday, with operational closures at 11:00am-12:00pm and 2:00-3:00pm.
All Donation Centers are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas to spend the holiday with loved ones.
Where is my nearest donation center?
With over 30 donation station locations, we have Donation Centers conveniently located throughout San Antonio with locations in Cibolo, Kerrville, Laredo, New Braunfels, and Seguin. To find the nearest Donation Center location, you may view our area map or search by street name or zip code.
How do I donate a vehicle to Goodwill San Antonio?
We partner with the Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) Donation Division, which processes and sells the donated vehicles on behalf of Goodwill San Antonio. We accept all types of vehicles – boats, cars, RVs, trucks, and motorcycles, in any condition. IAA will even pick up the vehicle for you. It’s easy, fast, and free. Learn more.
What should I do with my cell phone before I donate or recycle it?
Prior to donating or recycling your cell phone, there are four things you need to do:
Terminate your service.
Remove all cloud-based services (i.e. iCloud lock).
Remove your SIM card and shred or cut it in half. If you are not sure if your phone uses a SIM card or if you need assistance removing your SIM card, contact your service provider or manufacturer.
Place your phone in a Ziploc bag if it is physically damaged.
Can I donate my computer to Goodwill San Antonio?
Yes, Goodwill San Antonio will accept any data bearing device (computer, tablet, phone, etc.) at our Donation Centers or through our free Home Pickup Service.
Through our repurposing and recycling efforts, Goodwill San Antonio recycled 1.3 million pounds of hazardous electronic equipment.
What steps does Goodwill take to delete Personal Identifiable Information from my donated computer or any donated data-bearing device?
Goodwill San Antonio safely and securely clears all data from donated computers and laptops using industry leading software applications certified by NAIP (National Information Assurance Partnership) and follows procedures that conform to NIST SP 800-88 Media Sanitization Guidelines. We also follow industry standards and best practices for environmental responsibility, health, and safety. Unusable devices are responsibly recycled with zero-waste.
I inadvertently donated an item. Who do I contact?
We deeply value and respect the generosity of our community and the donations that we receive to help change lives through the power of work. We also know that occasionally a donor may inadvertently leave an item with Goodwill that they did not intend to donate. When that happens, we will make a good faith effort to find and return the item when it is brought to our attention in time to do so. However, it may not be possible if the item was already processed or it is unclear precisely who made the donation. Thanks for your understanding and support.
To find out if your item can be retrieved, either:
Return to the store or Donation Center at which you donated the item and ask to see the manager, or
Call Customer Care at 210.924.8581 and ask to be transferred to the store manager or Donation Center attendant at which you donated the item.
In general, if you notify us within 24 hours of the time you donated the item, we may be able to retrieve it.
Is there a limit for what I donate to Goodwill San Antonio?
Our mission is made possible by your generous donations. While there are some items we cannot accept due to safety and hazardous material concerns, there is no limit to the number of gently-used items you can donate – clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods. View the Donation Guidelines for a complete list of acceptable items. If you have bulky items you want to donate, we encourage you to take advantage of our free Home Pickup Service. Otherwise, we have over 30 conveniently located Donation Centers ready to assist you with your donated item(s).
Mission
Who does Goodwill San Antonio Help?
Goodwill San Antonio helps adults and youth right here in our community. We are privileged to serve a diverse group of people, including single parents, at-risk youth, veterans transitioning from military service, people with disabilities, those who did not complete high school, those who are experiencing homelessness, or anyone facing a barrier to employment. These barriers include lack of work experience; physical, mental, and emotional disabilities; limited education; language barriers; criminal background; dependency on public assistance; or other challenges preventing someone from being independent and self-sufficient. Our Good Careers Centers offer free career services to anyone needing guidance on developing a resume, completing job applications, or preparing for job interviews. People seeking a new career path are encouraged to learn more about our accredited and affordable certified training programs offered at our Good Careers Academy.
Is Goodwill San Antonio a non-profit organization?
Yes. Goodwill San Antonio is recognized as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service. At least 50 percent of Goodwill San Antonio’s budget is allocated to services helping individuals facing life barriers with their immediate basic needs, including job placement and job training.
Are all Goodwills the same?
There are more than 160 Goodwill organizations in the United States and Canada. Each Goodwill organization is independent and operates its own unique set of programs based on the needs of the community. For example, Goodwill of North Georgia operates in 45 counties in the North Georgia region.
Goodwill San Antonio serves a 24-county territory in the South Central region of Texas, from Kerrville to Seguin, to Del Rio and Laredo. Our organization is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of local business and community leaders who ensure we are serving the needs of citizens within our area.
How do I contact Goodwill San Antonio?
There are 3 ways to contact us:
- Call Customer Care at 210-924-8581
- Email Customer Care at customercare@goodwillsa.org
- Submit an inquiry via our contact us form
Does Goodwill San Antonio offer assistance to people in emergency situations?
Goodwill San Antonio is a non-profit organization that helps empower people to move out of poverty and into self-sufficiency by providing training and career services. Goodwill San Antonio is not an emergency relief agency. However, in disaster situations, we partner with other non-profit organizations as needed. Our focus is on providing access to employment programs and services, another sustaining need, following a disaster.
If you or someone you know needs emergency relief assistance, please contact the local United Way office at 2-1-1.
I would like to fulfill my community service hours by volunteering at Goodwill San Antonio. Where do I go?
For registration information and requirements, click here.
Good Careers Center
What is the Good Careers Center? Where are they located?
Goodwill San Antonio operates several Good Careers Centers throughout San Antonio, all are adjacent to a Goodwill San Antonio store. The Good Careers Centers are available to the public. We offer free career services including guidance on developing a resume, completing job applications, providing job leads, or preparing for job interviews. Our services and resources are tailored to assist you in overcoming the barriers that prevent you from securing a meaningful career. Find your nearest Good Careers Center here.
Can you assist a Veteran in finding employment?
Yes, our programs and services are tailored to help veterans and transitioning military service members translate their military skills into a meaningful civilian job or career. Our programs are individualized and tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
The breadth of career services offered at no cost to transitioning service members, veterans and their families include:
Employer Connection
Community Partner Network
Certification Training
Financial Planning
Career Coaching
Resume Development
Job Search Assistance
Interview Strategies
Individualized Career Assessment
These services are available at any of our Good Careers Center locations.
To schedule an appointment, please call 210-924-8581, ext 3006 or email us at veterans@goodwillsa.org.
Can anyone use the services offered at a Good Careers Center?
Yes, our computer labs and Career Services staff are available to anyone in our community.
How do I apply for a job at Goodwill San Antonio?
If you are interested in working at Goodwill San Antonio, please view our list of open positions. All applications are completed online. If you need assistance with developing your resume or completing the application process, we encourage you to visit one of our Good Careers Centers for assistance.
I am living in a half-way house after being released from incarceration. Can Goodwill San Antonio assist me in finding employment?
Yes, our mission is to help individuals overcome life barriers to obtain meaningful employment. Please visit one of our Good Careers Centers for assistance.
Good Careers Academy
What types of certified training programs are offer at the Good Careers Academy?
We are currently enrolling in the following programs:
- Commercial Driver License
- Medical Assistant
- Nurse’s Aide
- Pharmacy Technician
Twice a year we meet with our Employer Partners to evaluate each program. Through this exercise we ensure that the curriculum aligns to the changing needs of the industry and employers. Learn more about the Good Careers Academy and these training programs.
Can anyone enroll in the Good Careers Academy?
Yes, the Good Careers Academy is available to everyone in the community, including individuals who have previously experienced barriers to employment. Prospective students need to have high school diploma or GED and be able to pass a background check.
I am interested in enrolling in the Good Careers Academy, but I don’t know if financially I can?
Our Good Careers Academy staff wants all students focused 100% on their education. Therefore, prior to the start of the program, our team can help identify the appropriate support and solution needs to assist students with tuition, childcare, transportation or other concerns.
Where is the Good Careers Academy located?
All of our programs, with the exception of our CDL and Medical Assistance programs, are available at our downtown campus located at 703 Dolorosa. Our CDL program is held at our Goodwill Operations facility, which is located at 7702 N. IH-35, in Windcrest, 78218. The Medical Assistance program is held next to our Bitters Store at 13311 San Pedro.
Where do I go to get information on the cost of a program and how to enroll?
Please call Customer Care at 210-271-8581 and asked to be transferred to the Good Careers Academy Admissions Office or visit the Good Careers Academy at 703 Dolorosa.
Our organization is interested in partnering with Goodwill San Antonio as an employer partner for your Good Careers Academy. Who should I contact?
Please call Customer Care at 210-924-8581 and asked to speak with the Business Relations Manager.
Shopping
Why should I shop at Goodwill San Antonio stores rather than somewhere else?
When you shop at any Goodwill San Antonio store, you are supporting our mission of helping change lives through the power of work. Through your store purchases, Goodwill San Antonio is able to provide:
Employment to individuals with life barriers which have preventing them from achieving financial stability.
Coaching and case management services to retail team members so that they can maintain stable employment and a successful career path.
An environment where 1,500+ team members are engaged in serving a higher purpose as servant leaders in our community.
Does Goodwill sell gift cards?
You may purchase a gift card at any Goodwill San Antonio store location. There are no service charges. The gift cards are only valid at Goodwill San Antonio store locations.
Who shops at Goodwill San Antonio?
Everyone! Treasure hunters, DIY’ers, hobbyists, collectors, students, anyone interested in saving money, looking for a deal – whatever your reason, Goodwill San Antonio is good for you.
What are your store hours of operation?
Our stores are open seven days a week for your convenience. In fact, they are only closed on 3 days a year – Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Our stores are open from 10:00 am-8:00 pm Monday through Saturday and from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm on Sunday, with the exceptions of these stores:
Our store located at 406 West Commerce is open 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday through Sunday.
Our store located at 1048 Junction Highway in Kerrville is open 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Our Clearance Center located at 7702 N. IH-35 is open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday through Saturday. Children under 15 years old are not allowed for safety reasons and everyone must wear gloves.
Our Laredo Outlet is now open at 11914 Conly Rd. Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm and Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm. Clothing is sold by the piece or by the pound. Children under 15 years old are not allowed for safety reasons.
Click here to find your nearest Goodwill store.
How often does your store inventory change?
With thousands of donations received weekly, our store shelves and rack are replenished daily with a new selection of merchandise. No matter when you visit, our Goodwill San Antonio stores will always have something you are looking for!
Does Goodwill San Antonio offer customer discounts?
Goodwill San Antonio offers the following discounts:
Gold Star Families – receive 15% off every day at any Goodwill San Antonio store location.
Veterans and Active Duty Military Service Members - receive 15% off every day at any Goodwill San Antonio store location.
Seniors – receive 15% off every Wednesday at any Goodwill San Antonio store location.
Additionally, Goodwill San Antonio has a “Color of the Week” promotion, where items labeled with the designated color are 50% off. The promotion changes every Sunday.
If I purchase an item off of shopgoodwill.com from Goodwill San Antonio, may I pick it up?
Yes, we offer free local pickup for any items you purchase from Goodwill San Antonio via shopgoodwill.com. For information on where to pick up your item, please email ecommerce@goodwillsa.org or call us at (210) 924-8581 ext. 8252.
What is Goodwill San Antonio’s Return Policy?
Clothing and electrical purchases may be exchanged within 7 days. Present the item with the receipt and original tag(s) at any Goodwill location. Goodwill Industries of San Antonio does not issue cash refunds. We don’t accept returns.
We encourage you to take advantage of our testing area within each store to test any electrical or electronic item before purchasing.
If you have questions about an item you have recently purchased, please see the store’s general manager or manager on duty.
What is “It’s Only Fair” Policy?
Since our goods come from public donations, it's only fair that every customer has an equal opportunity to shop and purchase products! Store team member and volunteers in San Antonio, Cibolo, New Braunfels, and Seguin are not permitted to shop or reserve merchandise in the store in which they work. Because there isn't another Goodwill store nearby, Kerrville and Laredo employees are exempt from this policy, but they can only shop in their store on their days off.
Do the Goodwill San Antonio stores accept vouchers from a charity or a relief agency?
Yes, any organization interested in establishing a voucher program with Goodwill San Antonio is encourage to contact our Customer Care team at customercare@goodwillsa.org.
Does Goodwill repair items?
Goodwill San Antonio is not equipped to repair donated items. Therefore, we evaluate the quality of donations before placing them on our store shelves or racks. We do not sell items that are broken, torn or soiled.