Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA will celebrate Founders Week, January 18–24, honoring the legacy of founder Rev. Edgar J. Helms and highlighting how his vision continues to create opportunity through education and career services across Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area.

Helms, a Methodist minister born January 19, 1863, founded Goodwill on the belief that people need opportunity more than charity. His model — turning donated goods into work, training, and education — created pathways to dignity and self-sufficiency and remains the foundation of Goodwill’s mission today.

“Edgar Helms believed in meeting real needs with practical solutions,” said James K. Stiff, President of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. “He understood that work builds dignity and that education opens doors. Founders Week gives us a moment to honor the legacy of Rev. Edgar James Helms, who is the namesake of Helms College.”

Helms’ birthday is January 19. He was born 163 years ago in 1863. Goodwill’s Founders Week serves as a reminder that turning donated goods into skills training and education. Helms built a model that has created career pathways out of poverty.

Founders Week coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a timing Goodwill leaders say is meaningful. While the focus remains on Helms’ legacy, both men emphasized dignity, opportunity and work as cornerstones of stronger communities.

The observance comes amid ongoing workforce challenges in the region. Recent national rankings placed Augusta among the lowest U.S. cities for job opportunity, underscoring the need for accessible education, skills training and career services. Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA addresses those needs through free career services, hands-on education at Helms College, and partnerships with local employers.

Founders Week activities in the CSRA include:

Goodwill Retail Stores

• Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.: Select Augusta-area Goodwill stores will host a dessert celebration honoring Helms’ birthday, while supplies last

• Jan. 20–22: Donors receive a $5 off $25 coupon with a donation at participating locations

• Jan. 23: Stores will offer a $1.63 pants special, marking the 163rd anniversary of Helms’ birth

Edgar’s Hospitality Group

Edgar’s Bakehouse, Edgar’s Grille, Edgar’s Above Broad and The Pinnacle Club will offer special menu items honoring Helms’ New England heritage. Dining proceeds support Helms College students learning and career pathways.

Goodwill Job Connection Career Centers

Goodwill Job Connection Career Centers across the region offer free résumé assistance, interview preparation, career coaching and job search support.

Helms College

The Augusta campus of Helms College will recognize Helms’ legacy through student and classroom engagement and will welcome community members interested in learning more about education and career opportunities. The Helms College Welcome Center will be open Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Goodwill leaders say Founders Week is not simply a celebration of history, but a recommitment to Helms’ vision.

“We honor Edgar Helms best by continuing his work,” Stiff said. “We are deeply grateful to our donors, shoppers and community partners who make it possible to turn generosity into education, and education into opportunity.”

Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA invites media and community members to engage with Founders Week activities and explore how Helms’ legacy continues to build lives, families and communities across the region.