Hope After the Storm: Goodwill Partners with Community Allies to Support Families Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Staff Report

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

 

As families across the region rebuild after Hurricane Helene, Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA is providing ongoing support through its Good Samaritan and Daily Bread initiatives. These relief efforts, supported by “Champion of Hope” sponsor SD Clifton Construction, along with vital partners Regions Bank, Peach State Federal Credit Union, Beam’s Contracting, Inc., and other local businesses, help individuals and families regain stability with dignity by offering resources for essential goods and meals.

The Good Samaritan Gift Card Program allows families impacted by the hurricane to shop for necessary clothing and household items at Goodwill locations. This unique initiative, fueled by a $10,000 lead sponsorship from SD Clifton Construction, turns community donations into a tangible resource for those in need. "We aim to give families the autonomy to choose the items that best suit their needs, restoring a sense of normalcy and self-respect in difficult times," said Goodwill President James K. Stiff. "This would not be possible without the commitment of SD Clifton Construction and our community partners."

Rob Clifton, CEO of SD Clifton Construction, remarked, “As we all work to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, we know that many families are struggling to pick up the pieces. Clifton Construction is proud to be part of this community and committed to supporting our neighbors as we rebuild, stronger together.”

Goodwill, alongside community organizations like CareSource, Druid Park Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, and local veteran services, will continue distributing these resources as families face ongoing recovery challenges. Jennifer Tyner, Vice President for Marketing and Development at Goodwill, emphasized, “Our mission is to swiftly provide essential resources to those who need them most. These gift cards go beyond material help—they restore dignity. Recently, we assisted a family at the Ronald McDonald House who traveled here for their child’s medical care. After a storm, they lacked necessities like clothing. Thanks to these gift cards, they found stability and comfort when needed most.”

As we move into the holiday season, Goodwill invites the community to rally behind these initiatives, ensuring that families affected by Hurricane Helene receive the support they need to rebuild and thrive. As part of this effort, Goodwill is encouraging customers to "Round Up" their purchases at checkout, with all proceeds going directly to Hurricane recovery efforts. This simple act of rounding up to the nearest dollar allows shoppers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. The campaign will continue through the end of November, amplifying the community's impact during a critical time of need.