Miracle set to host Goodwill donation drive over weekend
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is partnering with the Fort Myers Miracle to collect donations of gently used clothing, accessories and household goods.
Goodwill will accept donations at Hammond Stadium immediately before the Miracle’s home games against the Charlotte Stone Crabs Thursday and Friday, and against the Sarasota Reds Saturday.
Goodwill will collect donations at a truck in the parking lot from 5:30-8 p.m.
Baseball fans donating a bag or box of clothing during the drive will receive a general admission ticket voucher, which can be used for any Miracle home game after Saturday.
The Miracle have 12 home games on the schedule between Sunday and the season finale.
“Goodwill is a vital part of our community, and the Miracle are excited to partner with them in this venture,” said Miracle promotions director Gary Sharp. “The way Southwest Florida has supported us for the last 18 years, we enjoy giving back and helping out in any way we can.”
Goodwill’s director of donor development, Laura Alford, explained that community partnerships are vital to the organization’s success.
“Goodwill appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Miracle and get the word out that we need donations,” she said. “Donation drives like this one help to bring the community together, support our mission and, of course, have some fun, too.”
The Miracle have other activities planned during the donation drive, including a Goodwill fashion show Friday.
Southwest Florida Goodwill Chief Executive Officer Tom Feurig will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s game.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida operates 24 retail and donation centers throughout Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.
Donations are resold at Goodwill’s stores to support programs and services for people with disabilities and other disadvantages.
Goodwill’s programs include Job-Link career resource centers, Four Wheels For Work vehicle assistance program, income-sensitive housing for people with disabilities and senior citizens, L.I.F.E. Academy Charter School and others.