Since 1926, Goodwill of Northwest NC has been much more than a thrift store.

The stores fund Goodwill’s entire mission: employment and training programs that help people find hope, opportunity, and jobs.

Let’s look back on the highlights from 100 years of good:

1926: Goodwill Industries of NWNC opens with $500 and an idea: help adults with disabilities help themselves through work.

1942: Goodwill joins the WWII home front effort, collecting and donating scrap materials to support troops.

1963: Goodwill opens North Carolina's first residential facility for adults with disabilities, becoming a national training hub for future Goodwill leaders.

1994: Services expand to 31 counties and 16 retail stores, bringing opportunity to rural and urban communities alike.

1999: Goodwill merges with Asheville Handi-Skills, strengthening local support.

2015: Color Me Asheville fashion show launches, challenging designers to create collections out of materials found at Goodwill stores.

2024: Goodwill serves nearly 29,000 people after Hurricane Helene through community hub sites, helping with FEMA claims, unemployment filing, and more.

Goodwill has no plans of slowing down, either. Take a look at what’s next and read more Goodwill stories.