Blog Posts

Upcycling pro Jen Dunne turns a broken thrifted clock into a cozy fall masterpiece in this Goodwill Second Chance Studio tutorial. Follow her step-by-step guide to create your own pumpkin floral wall art—proof that even broken things can bloom again.

Transitioning from the military to civilian work takes confidence, clarity, and support. Crystal Odom-McKinney, Executive Director of Mission Services – Illinois, shares practical and motivational career advice for veterans—how to translate military skills, find purpose, and thrive in meaningful civilian careers with help from Goodwill.

Goodwill Thrift Studio kicked off Arts in the Dark Chicago with The Haunted Runway, a live DIY costume contest celebrating creativity, sustainability, and secondhand style. Hosted by Suavé — professional MC/DJ and founder of Hip Hop ConnXion — and powered by DJ Ray, the event lit up State Street with music, dance, and thrifted looks. Paradegoers voted live via QR code, crowning Mad Hatter Janna as winner. The Haunted Runway proved that fashion can be fearless, sustainable, and community-powered — all 100% thrifted and 100% nonprofit.

PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Learn what employers can do to help employees experiencing PTSD in the workplace.

It's officially spooky season! Whether you need a fun family costume or a unique thrifted look, here are some tips and inspiration for shopping at Goodwill for Halloween.

Need a costume in a pinch? From Kim Possible to Effie Trinket, these Goodwill finds show how to thrift five creative Halloween looks under $20—plus two easy DIY tutorials for last-minute magic.

Give your Halloween décor a haunting twist with this DIY spooky mirror project. Using a thrifted mirror and a few simple supplies, you’ll create a ghostly reflection that’s perfect for scaring friends, family, or party guests. Affordable, creative, and eerie—it’s a Halloween hack made possible with Goodwill.

Goodwill thrift finds just hit the spotlight! From Chicago to Milwaukee, local style experts showed how to turn secondhand treasures into fresh fall looks—on a budget.

Upcycle an old sign into ghost party art with this Halloween DIY from Goodwill’s Content Creator, and skilled upcycler, Jen Dunne. Using thrifted finds, paint, and texture, you’ll create a spooky, sustainable piece of décor that’s both fun and affordable.

Turn thrifted finds into a festive fall decoration! Follow these easy steps to create a DIY scarecrow that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for your porch this Halloween.

Welcome fall with a simple DIY wreath made from thrifted finds. Learn how to craft an autumn door wreath with seasonal flowers, ribbon, and a few easy steps.

Ever wonder what really happens when you donate clothes to Goodwill? Julie Deming, Goodwill's Director of Inventory, explains how your donations fuel programs, support sustainability and give clothing a second life.

Must-have fall fashion trends that you can build with affordable finds from Goodwill.

Preparing for a second interview can feel overwhelming, but it’s also your chance to shine. In this article, Fabio Cardenas, Manager of the Goodwill Workforce Connection Center, shares expert advice on what to expect, common mistakes to avoid, and how to turn your callback into a job offer.

Kids grow fast but Goodwill makes it easy to keep up. Here are tips on how to find stylish, affordable back-to-school looks for your children.

Need help with your resume or cover letter? Learn the difference, when to use each and how to stand out—plus expert tips from Goodwill’s Workforce Connection Center to boost your next job application.

Wondering how to tell if gold is real? Learn how to spot fake gold jewelry, test for authenticity, and find real gold treasures while thrifting at Goodwill—straight from an expert on what to look for.

As summer winds down, here are tips on how to choose thrifted fashion that lasts well beyond the season.

Summer is here and it's time to turn up the heat on your style. Here are a few tips for looking effortlessly cool all season long.

Have you ever let a cute fashion statement piece sit in your closet for too long because you didn't have anything to wear it with? Here are some tips to help you find the missing piece at Goodwill.