Busting Myths, Building Futures:

Facts about Ohio Valley Goodwill

Have you ever hesitated before dropping off a donation at Goodwill, wondering if it really makes a difference? You’re definitely not alone. From social media rumors to word-of-mouth misconceptions, myths about Goodwill persist—including Ohio Valley Goodwill (OVGI)—and they can discourage people from supporting an organization that’s making a real impact in our community.

Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common myths about donating to OVGI or any Goodwill location across the country, so you can feel good about your decision to donate.

Myth #1: Donations End Up in Landfills

Fact: We are deeply committed to sustainability. In 2024 alone, OVGI recycled over 36.1 million pounds of materials, including textiles, electronics, and other goods that couldn’t be resold. Items that don’t make it to the sales floor are carefully sorted for recycling or repurposing, helping reduce landfill waste and support a circular economy, keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible.

Myth #2: Goodwill is a For-Profit Company

Fact: Goodwill Industries International (GII) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and OVGI is one of more than 150 nonprofit, independent, locally run affiliates across the country. We reinvest every dollar earned through your donations and retail sales into the organization, with 85 cents of each dollar helping to fund programs that support job training, housing assistance, and employment services for people facing barriers. The remainder goes to fund our overhead—covering essential operational costs like transportation, facilities maintenance, and lease expenses—ensuring the organization continues delivering life-changing services efficiently and sustainably.

Myth #3: Only a Small Portion of Donations Support the Mission

Fact: At OVGI, nearly 86% of our operating revenues go directly toward mission-related expenses. That includes meaningful services for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others seeking employment and independence through programs like job training and coaching. In 2024, the organization served 1,877 clients, placed 477 individuals in jobs, and contributed over $53.2 million in economic impact to the Greater Cincinnati area.

Myth #4: You Can’t Donate Electronics

Fact: OVGI does accept electronics. We are committed to recycling, renewing, re-using, and re-selling as many items as possible.In 2024 alone, OVGI recycled nearly 295,976 million pounds of e-waste. You can find a full list of what we do and don’t accept, what we resell, what we recycle, and how to donate your e-waste here. Be sure to wipe your personal data before donating.

Myth #5: Ohio Valley Goodwill Doesn’t Help People in Need

Fact: Helping people and the community is at the heart of OVGI’s mission. Through our GoodCommunities programs, including GoodWorks Pathways, GoodSupport Housing and GoodLife Services, we provide career coaching, housing navigation, and summer employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. These services empower individuals to build sustainable, hopeful futures. And here’s the beautiful part: donations and retail sales make these programs possible, so every item you donate, and we sell in our retail stores goes back into Goodwill’s mission.

Myth #6: The Only Way to Donate Is at a Drop-Off Center

Fact: While donation centers are popular, OVGI offers other options. You can donate vehicles—even if they don’t run—and we’ll tow them away for free. They partner with College Hunks Hauling Junk for at-home donation pickups for a fee, offering discounts for items going to Goodwill. The other option is to utilize Goodwill’s partnership with ReSupply for a small fee.

Why Your Donation Matters

When you donate to OVGI, you’re doing more than clearing out your closet or your garage—you’re empowering someone to find a job, secure stable housing, or gain independence they’ve been working toward. You’re supporting a local nonprofit that has a century-long legacy of service and a proven commitment to transparency and impact.

So next time you hear a rumor, we hope you’ll remember: your donation truly does make a real difference—for real people, right here in our community.