Goodwill Manasota is continuing its efforts to strengthen communities and lower barriers to employment through the strategic acquisition of new retail and donation locations. In late February, the organization opened a new 2,030-square-foot attended donation center (ADC) in Lakewood Ranch; the Waterside ADC is located at 7180 University Parkway.

With this new location, Goodwill hopes to support growth in the area, provide a convenient option for residents to donate gently-used goods, and maximize retail revenues in support of its mission services, which provide jobs for those with barriers to stable employment, free career services for community members seeking to improve their life and job prospects, and support for veterans – to help them reintegrate into their communities, families and jobs – as well as those who have been justice-involved. 

The facility is relatively new, with two other tenants; the center space occupied by the Goodwill ADC was previously leased by another company. The opening of this ADC enabled Goodwill to create three new jobs – these team members will be excited to accept donations from the community seven days a week, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. 

“We chose the Waterside location because of its prime position near University Parkway, offering our customers a quick and easy way to donate their gently-used items at Goodwill,” said Kimberly Glogovsky, Senior Director of Real Estate for Goodwill. “Accessibility and visibility are key criteria for our sites and this location meets both, while being at the heart of the vibrant Lakewood Ranch community.”

As Goodwill continues to expand, the organization is focusing on emerging residential areas, particularly east of Lorraine Road, where new home development is rapidly increasing. 

Glogovsky also noted that the site’s modern, fresh and clean appearance aligns with the organization’s emphasis on curb appeal. “This new center reflects the welcoming environment we always aim to provide,” she said.

ADCs play a crucial role in supporting Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work. Each donation of gently-used goods dropped off at a Goodwill ADC is sold in one of its retail stores in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Hardee, and portions of Lee and Northwest Charlotte counties. The money from those retail sales funds jobs and associated programs at Goodwill; the average donation provides more than three hours of job training and opportunities for those with barriers to employment. 

For more information or a list of retail and ADC locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill assists people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. In 2024, Goodwill served over 7,000 individuals, placed 1,563 in jobs, assisted 463 veterans, collected over 234,600 pounds of food for area food banks, and diverted 98.4 million pounds from landfills. For more information or for a comprehensive listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.