How Goodwill Works
Goodwill Industries-Knoxville is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives and strengthening families by helping people reach their full potential through community-relevant job training, work experience, and career services.
Donate
Donations help people and the environment! Clothing, furniture and household goods like books, toys and dishes stay in use and out of the landfill.
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Shop
Find quality clothes and household items for the whole family at a fraction of the price at Goodwill's 27 regional retail stores.
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Provide Training
Proceeds from the sale of donated support Goodwill's job training programs and employment services for individuals with barriers to employment.
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Change Lives
When given the proper training and support, individuals are able to obtain and maintain meaningful employment and are able to contribute to their community.
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Our Impact
In 2023, more than 2.7 million pounds of textiles, metal, and computers were diverted from the landfill through donations to Goodwill Industries-Knoxville. 1,608 individuals were served through our programs. Additionally, $2,212,556 was paid to employees with disabilities or other barriers.
Our Leadership
Board of Directors 2024
Chairperson: Mr. Connor Miles, Financial Planning and Analysis, InhabitIQ
Chairperson-Elect: Dr. Amy Skinner, LPC/MHSP, Clinical Therapist, Knoxville Counseling Services
Secretary-Treasurer: Ms. Megan Rhodes, Commercial Developer & Property Manager Hatcher Hill Properties, LLC.
President & CEO: Ms. Elizabeth Nother
Directors:
Wes Blosser, Manager, SOX Compliance, Pilot Travel Company
Mr. Steve Carr, Community Volunteer
Mr. Wade Esau, Director of Technical Services, Elo Touch Solutions
Dr. Amelia Hart, CPA, CGMA, Lecturer, Accounting & Information Management, University of Tennessee
Mr. Bob Kesling, Director of Broadcasting, Voice of the Vols, VOL Network
Mr. John H. Ley, Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, SmartBank
Merilee McCurdy, Ph.D., Associate Professor School Psychology, University of Tennessee
Mr. Ryan P. McNally, Attorney/Vice President, Appalachian Tittle Company, LLC
Tara Duncan Richardson, Director, Knox County Probation Department
Brian Strong, Chief Executive Officer, TenHats
Leadership Team
Meaghan Johnson, Vice President of Workforce Development
Nicole Knoxville, Senior Vice President of Retail
Johnny Lane, Vice President of Operations and Commercial Services
David White, Vice President of Finance
Amanda Brackett, Marketing Director
Our History
Goodwill Industries-International was founded more than 100 years ago by Edgar James Helms, a Methodist minister in Boston, Massachusetts. In Boston, Helms sought ways to assist residents in the city's impoverished South End. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city and then hired and trained the poor and immigrants to repair the used goods. These donations were resold or given to the people who repaired them.
Since this time, Goodwill's mission has grown into an international movement, improving the quality of life for disabled and disadvantaged individuals around the world.
Goodwill Industries-Knoxville, Inc. was founded in 1971 to fill the need for a community program for the young disabled population. The organization was meager in it's beginning, but has since expanded to serve over 1,608 in 2023.
Our Service Area
Our service area includes Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union County. We operate 27 stores throughout our 15-county East Tennessee service area. Find a store near you.
