Like many of you, I have a problem. I drive around with Goodwill donations sitting in my trunk for weeks and months. Sometimes I forget that they're there. Other times, I honestly don't feel like stopping to do a drop-off when visiting Goodwill: I have an irrational fear that another vintage-loving thrifter will snag the finds I want if I don't run into the store immediately upon arrival.

The other day, I FINALLY drove through the Goodwill Donation Center Drop-Off to unload a bunch of home goods and realized/learned a few things that will motivate me to clear my space and the new donation storage unit, AKA my car, more often.

I can drop off plastic film and clean glass, too?! Goodwill accepts more than just clothing, books, and other usual items we bring to Goodwill. Through a partnership with Trex, Goodwill will collect plastic film (ex., grocery bags, produce bags, and bubble wrap) to recycle and turn into composite decking. The nonprofit also collects glassware like clean vases, jars, and chipped glass cups. Even if cracked, these items will be pulverized by Goodwill and turned into sand for businesses like construction companies to use in their operations.

Donating is not a whole ordeal. In my mind, sometimes dropping off donations means getting out of my car, unloading everything, figuring out where to go...a 20-minute errand. But in reality, dropping off donations is actually really quick and convenient. It literally took me less than five minutes to pull up, hand items to a Donation Attendant, and then get my receipt. Of course, timing depends on the number of donations dropped off, but the process was simple and easy. The pre-shopping stop did not prevent me from finding my thrift gems!

Goodwill has a high school for adults?! Disclaimer: I already knew this because I work at Goodwill. But - when I was dropping off items, a Goodwill Team Member and I discussed the nonprofit's local community offerings, and the Goodwill Excel Center came up in the conversation.

The Goodwill Excel Center is a unique, tuition-free adult charter high school with two DC locations that awards industry-recognized certifications and high school diplomas, not GEDs, to adult learners in the District. The first of its kind in the District, the Excel Center responds to the fact that life commitments and circumstances can often prevent people from continuing their high school education. It offers access to transportation assistance, child care, and flexible class schedules.

A fourth bonus realization is that the more items I drop off, the more room I have in my home for more fun thrift finds that bring me joy! Therefore, as the summer continues to heat up, my new favorite indoor activity will be gathering donations (including glassware and bags), QUICKLY dropping them off, and then going on a cool AC-powered thrift adventure.