Frugal Friday: Christmas Glasses from Goodwill

I am a big fan of shopping at thrift stores.  Not only do you save a ton of money, but it is "green".  Rather than a manufacturer having to make a brand new product, and perfectly good use products going into the landfill, you are "recycling" by reusing products.  This is a great way to be green and reduce your carbon footprint while increasing the green in your wallet!



Just before Christmas I went in to our local Goodwill to see what they had.  All Christmas items were 50% off!!  I found these wonderful Seasons Greetings glasses. 



I was soooooooooo excited!!  When my grandmother worked for Sears she got each of her daughters a set of these glasses.  So, to find a set (actually 10!) of my own just made my day.  They were originally $0.99 each, so with the daily deal I was able to get all 10 for $5.  It was such a surprise for my mom to show up for Christmas Eve dinner at my house and see these glasses out on the tables!!



I also love shopping at Goodwill because it is great for the community.  Goodwill's mission is to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.  Here are there amazing statistics for 2009:



?People served through employment and training programs: 1.9 million





?Workforce development services provided: 20.1 million



?People who earned a job with Goodwill?s help : Over 155,000



?Estimated total earnings of people who earned a job with Goodwill?s help: $2.5 billion



?Personal and family support services provided: 7.5 million



?Total revenue generated by Goodwill organizations: $3.7 billion



?Total revenue spent directly on programs: 83 percent

?Total number of donors (includes repeat donations): 66 million

?Total number of retail stores: Over 2,400



Next time you go shopping, before you go to the department store and buy something new, check out your local thrift store.  Not only will you be being frugal, but you will be helping out your local community and the environment!!




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