My name is William Coates, and I serve as the Donated Goods Acquisition Manager for Goodwill Industries of Upstate Midlands South Carolina. In my role, I work closely with partners, businesses, organizations, and schools across our region to find meaningful ways we can support our community.

One thing that has become clear in those conversations is that schools are always looking for ways to meet real needs, but they need solutions that are simple, flexible, and impactful.

That is what led to the creation of The Giving Locker.

At Goodwill, our mission has always been about more than donations. It is about creating opportunities, removing barriers, and helping people build better futures. This partnership with schools across Greenville County is built around that same idea.

Make it easy to give. Support students in real ways. And connect families to opportunities that can change their future.

The Giving Locker Featured in the News!

https://www.foxcarolina.com/video/2026/05/01/giving-locker-installed-eastside-high-school/

A Simple Idea with Meaningful Impact

Through the Giving Locker program, we partner directly with schools to provide an easy and no cost way for students, staff, and families to donate gently used items such as clothing, shoes, books, and household goods.

Inside participating schools, you will find two rolling donation bins housed in a custom designed unit built specifically for that school. These bins are accessible, visible, and designed to encourage participation from the entire school community.

Once the bins are full, our team handles pickup and processing, making the program simple and low maintenance for schools.

But the impact goes far beyond collecting donations.

Supporting Students in Real and Tangible Ways

For every pickup we make, schools receive $50 in support, and they get to decide how to use it.

Some schools choose Goodwill vouchers, allowing counselors to support students and families in need with clothing and essentials. Others use it as a fundraising opportunity for student groups, athletics, or clubs.

It is a flexible model designed to meet the unique needs of each school.

From what I’ve seen working with schools,

“We want this to be something that does not add work to a school’s plate but instead gives them another tool to support their students in a meaningful and immediate way.”

More Than Donations: Creating Opportunities

One of the most important parts of this program is what it connects students and families to beyond the bin.

Each Giving Locker includes information that directs students to Goodwill’s Career and Workforce Development services. These are free resources that help individuals find jobs, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and access training and career pathways.

We also work directly with schools to offer materials, workshops, and guest speakers when there is an opportunity to further support students and families.

“This is not just about collecting clothes. It is about opening doors. If we can help a student’s family find stability or help a senior step into a job, that is where the real impact happens.”

Student Engagement and Leadership

The Giving Locker is also a natural fit for student leadership and service opportunities.

Across different schools, we have seen student organizations take ownership of the program, clubs and teams use it as a fundraising and service initiative, and leadership groups promote giving and community engagement among their peers.

Whether it is a National Honor Society, a fashion club, or student council, the program gives students a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Designed for Each School

Every Giving Locker setup is customized to reflect the identity of the school.

Our design approach incorporates school colors and branding while also including Goodwill messaging and access points for services. Before anything is finalized, schools receive a design proof for approval to ensure it feels like a natural part of their campus environment.

Looking Ahead

We are currently working with schools across Greenville County to build out a list of partners for a summer rollout so each location is ready to go at the beginning of the new school year.

Our goal is to make this program as easy as possible to implement while delivering meaningful impact across multiple areas. This includes supporting students in need, encouraging giving and community engagement, providing fundraising opportunities, and connecting families to career resources.

At the end of the day, 

“When schools and community organizations work together with a shared purpose, we can create real and lasting impact for students and their families.”

Let’s Work Together

We are proud to partner with the incredible educators and leaders across all the counties we serve, and we are excited about what this program can become.

If your school is interested in learning more about The Giving Locker, we would love to connect and explore how we can support your students and community.

William Coates
Donated Goods Acquisition Manager
Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina
wcoates@goodwillsc.org