Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont

Q: I have been ordered by a court to do community service. Can I fulfill this requirement at Goodwill?
A: No. The court system commonly issues court-ordered volunteer hours as an option for individuals with tickets or infractions. Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont does not provide volunteer opportunities to assist these individuals with their hours.

To find a court-ordered community service opportunity, please visit United Way of Central Carolinas and view the listing of the agencies they help. Select the agency of interest and visit their web site for more information about volunteering and Court-Ordered Community Service opportunities.

Q: Can I volunteer at a retail store or donation location?
A: No. However, there are opportunities at our Job Links, Job Connections and at the Career Development Center at 2122 Freedom Drive in Charlotte.

Q: How do I get started?
A: First view the volunteer opportunities posted online. If you see a role you would enjoy and your experience meets the qualifications noted, then complete the online application. That begins the volunteer engagement process. Once the application is received, you will be invited to come in for an interview. Next, we will request your approval for a background check. Then, you will need to attend the Champions for Good Orientation. Finally, you will be matched with your supervisor and volunteering will begin at your convenience. The “getting started” process generally takes less than three weeks.

Q: What are the minimum age requirements?
A: Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, complete the application, pass a background check, and have an interview to determine their schedule. In addition, volunteers must attend a 1 ½-hour orientation session within the first month of their placement. Individuals between the ages of 14-18 must have a parent or guardians permission to volunteer.

Q: How much time does it take to be a Goodwill volunteer?
A: The time commitment can be as frequent as one hour a week, once a month or as little as once a year. Schedules vary and are based on your availability. Please view the volunteer opportunities and complete an application for more information. Some roles specify the hours needed. Otherwise, it is up to you to let us know how you would like to share your valuable time with our clients!

Q: What benefits will I receive?
A: Though volunteering is an unpaid gift of your time and efforts, the benefits are numerous! Volunteers have unique opportunities to:

• Meet new people and make valuable networking contacts
• Teach, learn and develop new skills
• Share experiences, skills and wisdom with others
• Gain work experience and enhance their resume
• Help others build self-esteem and self-confidence
• Express gratitude for help received in the past from an organization
• Become an advocate; show enthusiasm for improving the community
• Make a meaningful difference in someone’s life
• Improve the likelihood that young people will choose to volunteer as adults

In addition, as an expression of sincere gratitude, Champions for Good volunteers receive both formal and informal recognition for their time and efforts. There are opportunities for professional development training each year and volunteer advisory leadership roles.