Steve Smith, Giants Wide Receiver,
Takes Time Out to Give to Goodwill
-- Charity Exec Gets A Surprise Call Before the Game --
New York City – October 8, 2009 – If you ever wondered what wide receivers in the NFL are thinking about in the days leading up to a big game, just ask Randy Levitt. Mr. Levitt is the Donated Goods Manager for Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. Goodwill is a well-known, 100-year old charitable organization that provides vocational programs and other services to people with disabilities, young people and the unemployed.
Last Thursday, Levitt got a call from an agent saying that Steve Smith, the leading wide receiver for the New York Giants, wanted to donate some of his used clothing to Goodwill Industries.
“I was excited and delighted, of course,” says Levitt. "Smith is a major star in New York, having emerged as one of Eli Manning’s favorite receivers. To have him donate to us is a coup! And I just thought it was really nice to know that charity was on his mind before the big game.”
Smith invited Levitt to his home, where the 5”11”, 190 lb. football star and his mother, Audrey, welcomed him warmly. “They were so friendly and very kind,” Levitt said.
Levitt says he asked Smith if he had ever donated to Goodwill before. Audrey Smith answered, “Yes, in my hometown, in California. I donate all of his items to Goodwill.” Steve’s brother is still there, playing for Steve’s alma mater, USC.
The Smiths said they shop at Goodwill, too. They donated two large bags of clothing, including suits, ties, shoes, floor mats and a number of new baseball hats. Levitt gratefully received their generous gift and provided them with a tax receipt.
Levitt says the donated items are being processed and will be sold in Goodwill’s New York/New Jersey area stores and on the charity’s award winning auction web site, “shopgoodwill.com.” However, they will not be identified as Steve Smith’s clothes. “We maintain the donors confidentiality,” Levitt said. “We received Mr. Smith’s permission to publicize his gift, although publicity was not his purpose at all in giving it.”
Before leaving, Levitt asked Smith why he chose Goodwill. “Because Goodwill is a really good cause,” Smith answered. “That makes me feel great. I figure if I can’t use these clothes any more, by giving them to Goodwill someone else can. It’s the best way to recycle that I ever heard of. I like the idea that my old clothes can make a difference.”
“Smith said, "If I saw someone walking down the street in one of my shirts? I would walk right up to them and say, ‘Hey, man, nice shirt!’