Blog Posts

collage of jacket, sweater and jeans

On-Trend Men's Secondhand Winter Staples Under $20

Oversized jackets, clean layers and workwear staples - all thrifted for under $20. This is how to build a winter fit that actually holds up.
Read More On-Trend Men's Secondhand Winter Staples Under $20
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
An upcycled vase with flowers and chocolates

How to Turn a Thrifted Vase into a Valentine’s Dot-Painted Design

Artist Cheryl Anderson, known as The Dotting Chick, shares how to turn a thrifted vase into a relaxing, hand-painted Valentine’s Day keepsake. Using simple dot painting techniques and an affordable Goodwill find, this DIY project proves that creativity—and second chances—can turn everyday items into meaningful art.
Read More How to Turn a Thrifted Vase into a Valentine’s Dot-Painted Design
  • Thrifting
  • Second Chance Studio
  • Sustainable Living
A red puzzle piece among Valentine's Day style crafts

DIY Valentine’s Day Heart Wreath from a Thrifted Puzzle

Turn a thrifted puzzle into a charming Valentine’s Day heart wreath using simple materials, hot glue, and creativity. This easy DIY adds layered texture and heart-filled style to your seasonal décor.
Read More DIY Valentine’s Day Heart Wreath from a Thrifted Puzzle
  • Thrifting
  • Second Chance Studio
  • Sustainable Living
An upcycled blue vase styled with Valentine motifs and flowers

Star-Crossed Vase: A Thrifted DIY Written in the Stars

Looking for a gift that feels personal without feeling over-the-top? This star-crossed vase DIY transforms a simple thrifted glass vase into a constellation-inspired keepsake using gold paint and your zodiac signs. It’s easy, affordable, and proof that secondhand pieces can shine a little brighter.
Read More Star-Crossed Vase: A Thrifted DIY Written in the Stars
  • Thrifting
  • Second Chance Studio
  • Sustainable Living
woman styling white shirt three different ways

Styling Pantone's "Cloud Dancer"

Style Pantone’s Color of the Year for under $25 with thrifted finds! Play with coordinating hues, layer textures and accessorize for personality. Affordable, chic and effortlessly stylish.
Read More Styling Pantone's "Cloud Dancer"
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Display of various winter decor items

How to Upcycle Thrifted Frames into Cozy Winter Decor

Learn how to turn thrifted frames into cozy winter wall décor with easy DIY ideas using Goodwill finds, paint, decoupage paper, and a little sparkle.
Read More How to Upcycle Thrifted Frames into Cozy Winter Decor
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Second Chance Studio
mantle with ornaments and candlesticks

How to Thrift Holiday Decor

Learn simple tips for thrifting holiday decor on a budget. From shopping year-round to repurposing items creatively, these ideas will help you find unique pieces and make your home festive without spending a lot.
Read More How to Thrift Holiday Decor
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
Resume FAQ man reading resume

Resume Format FAQs

A good resume is the key to finding a job. It’s your first impression and determines if you’ll get an interview. Get answers to the most common resume writing questions here.
Read More Resume Format FAQs
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
Woman modeling different winter outfits

Winter Styling Without Losing Your Style

Winter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for warmth. Discover how to embrace layering, texture and structure to create outfits that feel intentional, expressive and effortlessly chic, even in the coldest months.
Read More Winter Styling Without Losing Your Style
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
A girl in a kitchen wearing headphones, apron and sanitary gloves.

Imani | How Project SEARCH Helped a Young Adult Build Job Skills and Confidence

Imani joined Project SEARCH to gain job skills and confidence. With support from job coaches and Goodwill as a community partner, she built essential workplace skills and prepared for her next step toward employment.
Read More Imani | How Project SEARCH Helped a Young Adult Build Job Skills and Confidence
  • Success Stories
Person wearing an apron and work hat

Jesse | How Employment Support Helped Build Confidence and Start His Career

Jesse was looking for his first job and a boost of confidence. With coaching, skill-building and hands-on work experience, he discovered his strengths and earned a permanent part-time position. His story shows how the right support can help anyone begin a meaningful career.
Read More Jesse | How Employment Support Helped Build Confidence and Start His Career
  • Success Stories
  • Career Development
Person posing for photo in a blue button up.

Matthew | How Community Access Points Help Job Seekers Find Support and Stability

Facing housing instability and financial stress, Matthew connected with a Goodwill Community Access Point at the Guest House of Milwaukee. With resume help, job leads and access to essential resources, he found stable seasonal work and prepared to return to college—moving closer to the future he envisioned.
Read More Matthew | How Community Access Points Help Job Seekers Find Support and Stability
  • Wisconsin
  • Success Stories
An assembly of different painting and crafting tools

How to Make a DIY Santa Cookie Plate Using a Thrifted Find

This festive DIY project transforms a simple thrifted plate into a charming Santa cookie plate using dot-painting techniques. Artist Cheryl Anderson shows how easy it is to create a handmade holiday keepsake for under a dollar. Perfect for gifting, celebrating traditions, or adding a personal touch to the holidays.
Read More How to Make a DIY Santa Cookie Plate Using a Thrifted Find
  • Second Chance Studio
Person taking notes with an open laptop

How to Write a Resume With No Job Experience

Writing your first resume doesn’t have to be scary — even with no job experience. In this guide, Goodwill career specialist Nicole shows teens and young adults how to turn school projects, volunteering, hobbies, and life skills into a strong, professional resume.
Read More How to Write a Resume With No Job Experience
  • Workforce Connection Centers
  • Job Hunting
Man holding up a phone for a selfie

Meet Goodwill’s First-Ever Community Collaborators

Meet Goodwill’s first-ever Community Collaborators—five local creators bringing their own unique thrift style, DIY inspiration and sustainable living ideas to our community. Follow along as they share fresh, creative secondhand content all season long.
Read More Meet Goodwill’s First-Ever Community Collaborators
  • Thrifting
  • Retail
  • Second Chance Studio
Basket of holiday baubles and decor

Thrifted Holiday Centerpieces: How to Turn Goodwill Finds Into Festive Décor

This DIY guide shows how to transform secondhand finds into beautiful holiday centerpieces. Perfect for decorating your home or gifting to someone special.
Read More Thrifted Holiday Centerpieces: How to Turn Goodwill Finds Into Festive Décor
  • Second Chance Studio
Goodwill Day Services program participant

Thomas | How Goodwill Helped with Building Confidence, Independence and Job Skills

See how Goodwill’s THRIVE and Supported Employment programs helped Thomas build confidence, improve communication and secure meaningful work.
Read More Thomas | How Goodwill Helped with Building Confidence, Independence and Job Skills
  • Program Participant Stories
  • Wisconsin
  • Workforce Development
  • Day Services
Woman standing in front of a neutral background

Cynthia | How Free Job Search Support at Goodwill Led to Stability

Cynthia found long-term employment with support from Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers. Learn how free career coaching can help you build a new future.
Read More Cynthia | How Free Job Search Support at Goodwill Led to Stability
  • Program Participant Stories
  • Wisconsin
  • Success Stories

Is It Real? How to Tell if Pearls Are Real

Learn how to spot real pearls vs fake ones while thrifting secondhand from an Ecommerce jewelry expert, including what to look for in luster, texture, shape, metal settings and more.
Read More Is It Real? How to Tell if Pearls Are Real
  • Thrifting
  • Style and Decor
  • Retail
A box with various toys

Give Joy, Give Second Chances: Why Toy Donations Matter

Give toys a second life this holiday season. Donating toys to Goodwill helps fund local job programs, supports sustainability, and brings joy to families in your community.
Read More Give Joy, Give Second Chances: Why Toy Donations Matter
  • Thrifting
  • Sustainable Living