Neighbor News
Partnership of Goodwill, Children's World yields donations and jobs for veterans
Business/nonprofit partnership assists Goodwill in changing lives through the power of work
Children’s World & Children’s World Uniform Supply has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to proudly employ veterans assisted through Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program. The local business has also held two “Give Back” days, with a portion of sales to patrons who mention Goodwill being donated back to the nonprofit.
Currently, two veterans – Christopher Jones, who served in the Navy, and George Grimsley, who served in the Army – have become part of the Children’s World team. Christopher is working in sales and customer service, and training to be an assistant manager, while George is training to manage the embroidery operation.
“My father served in the Coast Guard then worked for 25 years as a civilian for the Navy, and my brother served in the Army, so I have great respect for those who have served our county,” said Children’s World owner Tim Holliday. “I am happy to offer these American heroes employment opportunities after their service to our country is done.”
In addition, Children’s World also employs another team member who came through Goodwill’s Job Connection, a free service that assists individuals in choosing, obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. That staff member is training to run the operations of the business.
Counting all three of these employees secured through Goodwill programs, they represent more than a quarter of the people on staff, and work nearly a third of Children’s World’s scheduled weekly hours. Holliday says that he tells Goodwill’s Veterans Service Program and Job Connection teams what he is looking for, and that they have successfully located the right candidates for him to hire.
Children’s World has held two “Give Back” days as a partnership with Goodwill, including one during the holidays last year. During these shopping days, if anyone comes in and mentions Goodwill, the store donates a portion of their sale back to Goodwill. Holliday notes that these campaigns are a nice way for Goodwill customers and supporters to be introduced to his store, and, it’s a good way for his team to have conversations with Children’s World customers about Goodwill. Another “Give Back” day is planned for this year.
“We are grateful to our business partners for their help in raising awareness and funds to support our mission of changing lives through the power of work,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “Veterans returning home from deployment often face difficulties obtaining employment. Our partnership with Children’s World is just one way we are helping our heroes reintegrate back into civilian life, and find their place in our community.”
“I love Goodwill, and all they do in the community. So many people only know it’s a place to drop of used items, but there’s so much more to it than that,” added Holliday. “Goodwill helps the environment, helps with education, helps with housing, and helps with jobs. And, of course, Goodwill is a great place to shop!”
PHOTO ID: (From l-r) George Grimsley, embroidery machine operator, Cynthia Holliday, president, and Christopher Jones, sales clerk at Children’s World and Children’s World Uniform Supply, Inc.
About Children’s World
Children’s World and Children’s World Uniform Supply has been serving the Sarasota area since 1964. Owned by Tim and Cynthia Holliday, Children’s World boasts a variety of services all under one roof. Widely known for uniforms, Children’s world also is a specialty toy store, offers a full line of promotional products for businesses and organization, provides on-site embroidery service and has a U.S. Post office inside the store. Children’s World and Children’s Uniform Supply is located at 4525 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida. Their hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5:45pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. They can also be found on the web at childrensworlduniform.com or like them on face book at facebook.com/childrensworldu.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
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