NORTH CAROLINA — For the first time in its history, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont received more than 1 million donor visits in 2013, marking a 2 percent increase from the previous year.
The community contributed 389,000 pounds -- or 195 tons -- of donated items on Dec. 31.
A surge on the last day saw 11,122 donors scramble to 33 donation sites throughout the Southern Piedmont, bringing their gently used clothing, household items, electronics and toys.
"We normally see high donor activity the final weekend of the year. This year was no different," said Goodwill President and CEO Michael Elder. "Weather and the Panther's game probably had an impact on donor numbers Sunday."
During the last five days of 2013, more than 31,500 donors visited Goodwill donation sites across the region.
In 2013 Goodwill used the revenue earned from the sale of donated goods to provide job training, job placement, and job creation resources and programs to more than 14,800 people.