By: Sandy Pascual

       In November, I had the opportunity to take a guided tour of Miami's Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation/Production facility. The mission of Miami's Goodwill Industries is to help unemployed people with disabilities and other special needs to become competitively employed and self-supporting.

       The best-known division of Goodwill is the thrift store. Goodwill stores in South Florida have evolved from the grungy-junkie stores to the new bigger, brighter, better stores that offer great affordable deals for bargain hunters. If you're nowhere near a thrift store, shop online at Goodwill's Auction site - shopgoodwill.com. You can find everything from designer fur coats to purses, home décor, art, and toys. Money made from auctions fund education and job-training/placement programs.

       Besides the fun thrift store, Goodwill provides a variety of services, helping people who are unemployed develop the skills and good work habits necessary to become a productive worker either within the organization or once they leave Goodwill and find a job elsewhere. No one is ever forced to leave; some people stay there a few months gaining experience before moving on to another job, while others have been there for over 15 years. Both groups are considered successes.

       Did you know the green camouflage fatigues worn by U.S. soldiers were made in Miami at the Goodwill facility? Miami's Goodwill organization has four industries serving the United States Military and local government companies. Through an exclusive contract with the U.S. government, they manufacture several pieces of military apparel and flags.

       Another division of Goodwill offers cleaning services to 113 federal buildings in Miami and to 1,500 of Miami's metro buses. Another division offers newspaper-inserting services to The Miami Herald each week. When you open up your Sunday paper, parts of it were assembled at the Miami Goodwill facility.

       Participating in the tour and witnessing first-hand the difference that Goodwill is making in people's lives was very moving and inspiring. It hit me most while watching a 20-year-old in a wheelchair leave the building and maneuver himself from his wheelchair into his car. It made me stop and think about how really easy I have it and many of you have it.

       This holiday season make a donation, volunteer your time or do your holiday shopping at Goodwill stores and make it a memorable holiday for everyone.

       To find out how you can help or to purchase items made by Goodwill visit their websites:
       http://www.goodwill.org/
       http://www.goodwillflags.com/index.asp
       http://www.shopgoodwill.com/

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