That turkey may have slowed us down, but we’re back in the game now and ready to head out on yet another big holiday trip. You got it – it’s time for our weekly journey across the World Wide Web. Let’s see what Goodwill looks like all over America – and show you just what to expect at a Goodwill near you in our special round-up…

…Blog Posts We Really Like This Week:

ThriftyAnnabellainLA found this gorgeous Polo bag for $3.99 - complete with the original price tag... of $435. With savings like that, every Black Friday could use more Goodwill!

ThriftyAnnabellainla: On the way out of town I couldn’t resist a stop by Goodwill… I found this leather Polo bag for $3.99 – funny thing it had a sticker on the inside that said $435. I wonder if that was what it actually cost brand new????

ThisCrazyLife-Michelle found three pairs of Steve Madden, and the total bill? About $10. These blue babies were $3.00. Certainly something to kick up your heels about!

ThisCrazyLife-Michelle: Some of you have been asking to see some more of the shoes I have scored at Goodwill. Here are a few. I think the most I paid was $4.00 for the first pair. They are Steve Madden, so are the last pair. Those were $3.00. I have my closet FULL of shoes… Man, it’s hard to take pics of your own feet. lol. I love Goodwill.

Nancarts found all these little ornaments for 50% Goodwill's already tiny prices. Tis the season for some stellar holiday deals!

Nancarts: Some of the ornaments I bought at the Goodwill Christmas Shop. Friday everything was 50% off..

Goodwill Is Giving Away Free Outfits to Job Seekers!

In an effort to help thousands across the region who are unemployed and looking for work, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. is offering a free outfit to anyone who signs up at any of its 37 area retail stores*. To locate a store: www.goodwillny.org/findgoodwill.aspx.

William J. Forrester, Goodwill’s President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Generosity leads to generosity. We wanted to do something meaningful with the holidays approaching. We believe this is the perfect time to reach out and help people with their job search and, hopefully, help rebuild their lives. “

The offer is limited to one outfit per customer during store hours on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6.  Supplies are limited.

Mauricio Hernandez, Senior Vice President of Retail Sales said, “If we can give people hope by making an outfit available to them for a job interview – at no cost – then I think we’ve done something wonderful. At Goodwill retail stores you always find great fashions for great value. The economy has really made it hard on people and we wanted to do something meaningful to help.”

* Store locations: New York City and Long Island; Upstate New York; the Hudson Valley; Capital Region; and Northern New Jersey.

In honor of the holidays quickly approaching and our love of all things festive, we’ve brought in Zena, our Low-Cost Costume Maven 2009, to give us some tips on holiday shopping at Goodwill. In our interview below, Zena gives us her thoughts on the best holiday buys at Goodwill, how to decorate your tree for the biggest WOW factor, and what it’s really like working in Goodwill’s Harrison NJ store (at 400 Supor Blvd) come the holiday rush. Enjoy!

Our Low-Cost Costume Maven shows off her own Goodwill tree - and tips for decorating your own.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

from all of us at GoodwillNyNj!

We are thankful for all your support – and for everything you do to help your communities.

(And don’t forget – tomorrow is the start of our big 25% off everything sale store-wide – just in case you want to get a little more do good-ing in before the end of the year!)

Attention all holiday shoppers!:

This weekend ALL GOODWILL LOCATIONS in New York and Northern New Jersey are celebrating the holidays with a 25% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE from 9am Friday, November 27, 2009 until 8pm Sunday, November 29, 2009. And listen up, crafters: 50% off all textiles between 6pm and 9pm.

How’s that for some holiday Goodwill? 25% off things like:

Yes, all designer suits are 25% - which makes you 75% richer when you wear them, right? Of course, right!

or:

The holidays are the perfect time to start a rock band - especially when everything you need, from guitar to gold pants, is 25% off.

So yes, enjoy your stuffing and your yams – and know that some incredible deals are just around the corner in your neighborhood Goodwill.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just one more day until the holiday weekend begins! Some of your have already boarded your planes, trains and automobiles, but even if you’re having your turkey at home, you too can enjoy a little Thanksgiving travel with our weekly world wide web round-up…

…Blog Posts We Really Like This Week:

Over at Destructoid.com, Goodwill Hunting's writer finds not only a Super Nintendo, but an unmarked mystery game as well. Click more below to read how the drama unfolds...

If you are on Facebook, help us make a difference in our community and vote for Long Island Works Coalition, Inc, a division of Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. It’ll only take a minute & will make you feel all warm inside right in time for the holidays. What have you got to lose?

Just CLICK HERE and follow the instructions to spread a little Goodwill this holiday season.

Thank you!

Happy Friday! Since we’ve spent the past few weeks telling you more about Goodwill’s Washington Heights store, we thought why not go whole hog here and give you a full day’s plan for visiting the uptown area? We do love ourselves a neighborhood daytrip!

Visiting Goodwill's new & beautiful Washington Heights store is the perfect excuse to explore Washington Heights' historical spots and incredible eats.

Come Saturday and Sunday, head up on to 181st Street store – and check out these amazing neighborhood sights while you’re up there! There’s more to the Heights than just award-winning musicals, you know…

Wednesday means it’s time for a whirlwind trip around the World Wide Web. Are your virtual bags packed? Delightful! Because we’re about to take off…

…for our Wednesday feature, Blog Posts We Really Like This Week:

Here's a one-of-a-kind French find posted to XO Fashion by DC Goodwill Fashionista - and you even can bid on the outfit HERE!

We love the holidays. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, and we’re picturing pine-scented living rooms, glowing fireplaces, twinkling menorahs, and all those blue-white-red-green delicious butter cookies.

Santa comes in peace, even if it's a little early this year. Get in the fun and visit your local Goodwill for affordable, adorable holiday charm!

Yes, we here at GoodwillNyNj love the holidays – and so does Zena, GoodwillNyNj’s Low-Cost Costume Maven 2009. Click below to join Zena and the whole Goodwill Harrison NJ team in a little early holiday spirit – and get excited for a season full of warmth, family, laughter and cookies!