FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Dec. 8, 2015

Contact: Maureen Roche

Dir. of Marketing and Development

E-mail:

Phone: (608) 246-3140, ext. 142

Website: www.goodwillscwi.org

GOODWILL WARNS RESIDENTS OF FALSE INFORMATION
BEING SHARED VIA THE INTERNET

As residents decide which charities to support this holiday season through financial donations, Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin warns that false information about Goodwill and other service organizations is being spread via email and social media.

Specifically, false information about Goodwill Industries International (GII) and other well-known service organizations is once again being shared via a message titled “Think Before You Donate.” Regarding GII, the message lists as the organization’s CEO an individual who has never been associated with the Goodwill enterprise, quotes a hugely inflated, false CEO salary and makes claims that are contrary to Goodwill’s mission, endeavors and legal status as a nonprofit entity.

“It’s such a shame that this false information is being spread,” said Maureen Roche, Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin’s director of marketing and development. “We rely on – and greatly appreciate – the financial support of local residents who want to make a positive difference in the lives of area residents with disabilities or other challenges. I hope those who read the message learn more about Goodwill and choose to support Goodwill by making a financial donation.”

Information about the “Think Before You Donate” message is available through www.snopes.com. Residents are encouraged to learn about GII and the other entities included in the message through sources such as:

·  Charity Navigator (blog.charitynavigator.org) – The nation’s largest independent charity evaluator and leading donor advocate

·  GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) – A public charity that gathers and disseminates information about every IRS-registered nonprofit organization

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Information about Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin, a member of the Goodwill Industries International enterprise, is available at www.goodwillscwi.org and 608-246-3140, ext. 142.

Financial donations to Goodwill can be made online at www.goodwillscwi.org, in person at any Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin store or donation center and via the telephone at 608-246-3140. Also, checks made payable to Goodwill Industries can be mailed to 1302 Mendota St., Madison, WI 53714. Information about store and donation center locations is available on the website and by calling the number above. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.


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