The weekend before Veterans Day, two organizations supported Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services program with donations. On November 8, Benderson Development awarded the Veterans Services program a donation of $10,000, while the Rotary Club of Longboat Key presented a Veterans Services program team member with a check for $7,500.

During Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade at UTC, a group from Goodwill Manasota – including the nonprofit organization’s mascot, GoodWilly – participated in the parade. Just prior to the start of the parade, Benderson Development awarded the $10,000 contribution to support the program. 

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key presented a $7,500 check benefiting Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program; it was accepted by Career Development Facilitator Randy Wright during the Town of Longboat Key’s Veterans Day & 70th Anniversary Celebration at Town Center Green.

“While we look forward to Veterans Day each and every year, Goodwill Manasota is dedicated to serving veterans and their families all year long,” said Goodwill Manasota President & CEO Donn Githens. “We are grateful to Benderson Development and the Rotary Club of Longboat Key for choosing to support our Veterans Services program; their contributions will provide an immediate impact to those who selflessly served our country.”

Goodwill’s Veterans Services program works to address challenges facing veterans and their families as well as the families of service members on active duty, focusing on providing comprehensive case management and vocational services. The Veterans Services team works to eliminate barriers to employment, provide opportunities for higher-paying positions for veterans and their families, and connect veterans with needed social services and networking opportunities. The overall goal of the program is to help veterans reintegrate into their families, communities and jobs.

For more information, visit experiencegoodwill.org/veteransservices.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. Goodwill’s mission-integrated operations assist individuals with barriers – such as people with disabilities, veterans, older adults, and other impediments to stable employment –  by providing jobs, job skills training and education, and life and career coaching. In 2024, Goodwill served over 7,000 individuals, placed 1,563 in jobs, assisted 463 veterans, collected over 234,600 pounds of food for area food banks, and diverted 98.4 million pounds from landfills. For more information or for a comprehensive listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.