BON-TON ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO PERFORM ‘A MILLION ACTS OF GOODWILL’
Semi-Annual Goodwill Sale Helps People Go to Work
Astoria, NY – Bon-Ton is encouraging customers to participate in “a million acts of Goodwill” by donating gently-used items through the semi-annual Bon-Ton Goodwill Sale. From March 11 to 24, customers who donate clean, gently-used clothing and home textiles at participating Bon-Ton locations will receive 20% off coupons toward new spring merchandise, including apparel and cosmetics. One Bon-Ton coupon is given per donated item. The donations will be sold at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey’s retail stores. Proceeds from sales fund Goodwill’s youth programs and job training and placement services for adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The popular trade-in promotion is a successful collaboration between Bon-Ton and Goodwill.
As a kick-off to this spring’s Goodwill Sale, Bon-Ton is introducing a new, interactive website designed to track the customer’s donations and spread the word about this incredible event. Beginning on March 2, customers can log on to www.millionactsofgoodwill.com to learn more about Goodwill Industries’ mission, get tips for cleaning out their closets and read about Bon-Ton’s spring fashion trends. Every person who donates during the Goodwill Sale is contributing an “act of Goodwill.” The goal is to have one million people support the event. After the Goodwill Sale officially begins on March 11, customers may log on to www.millionactsofgoodwill.com and share what they donated. Site visitors will be rewarded for their participation with an additional coupon. A “million meter” will track the event’s progress. With each step closer to the goal of one million supporters, Bon-Ton will make an additional contribution to Goodwill Industries.
“This semi-annual event affords a wonderful benefit to our customers,” says Bud Bergren, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. “Our customers can donate their items to be re-sold for a great cause while receiving a substantial discount on our new spring fashions. The Goodwill Sale exemplifies our commitment to the communities in which we operate.”
The fall 2008 semi-annual sale generated nearly 3.5 million pounds of donated clothing and textiles. From the sale of these donated items, Goodwill nationally has earned more than $13 million in revenues to support its services that help individuals with disabilities and disadvantages to achieve employment, advance in education or training, and take steps toward a successful future.
“Donating and shopping during the Goodwill Sale is making an economic investment in your local communities,” says Rex L. Davidson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey. “Your donations to Goodwill will help strengthen communities by helping people find meaningful employment to support themselves and their families.”
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 281 stores, which include 12 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates and three stores in the Detroit, Michigan area under the Parisian nameplate. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings.
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides educational and career services, job placement and post-employment support for job seekers, with a special focus on people with disabilities and other disadvantages. It also offers educational and recreational in-school and after-school programs for children and youth. Headquartered in Astoria, Queens, the community-based agency serves more than 136,000 persons a year. In 2008, Goodwill placed almost 13,000 individuals in jobs. To help support its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in 36 retail stores. Locate the closest Goodwill store at /findgoodwill.aspx.
CONTACT:
Alfred G. Vanderbilt: (203) 246-3455 cell; (203) 855-9111 phone
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