Students, including in Oak Ridge, Clinton schools, donate more than 22 tons to Goodwill

 

Elementary and middle school students across Anderson, Knox, and Hamblen County—including Clinton City Schools and Oak Ridge Schools—recently participated in the Annual Goodwill Sack Pack material drives. More than 1,600 students from all three counties brought in an approximate total of 44,910 pounds of donations for Goodwill Industries-Knoxville.

From May 9 through 13, students were encouraged to bring donations of gently used clothing, toys, and other household goods to school to benefit Goodwill Industries, a press release said. In exchange for their donations, students were rewarded with free snacks from McDonald’s, free passes to the American Museum of Science and Energy, and/or the opportunity to win two free passes to Dollywood. A third-grade class at Hillcrest Elementary won an ice cream party from Keep Morristown-Hamblen Beautiful for having the most participation of all Hamblen county classrooms.

Those donations will make their way into Goodwill’s 29 retail stores; proceeds from the sale of those donations will allow Goodwill Industries-Knoxville Inc. to provide vocational services and employment opportunities to people with barriers to employment across their 15 county service area, the press release said.

Sponsors of the Sack Packs include WBIR-TV, the American Museum of Science and Energy, McDonald’s, Keep Morristown-Hamblen Beautiful, Keep Anderson County Beautiful, Dollywood, and all participating school systems.

“Goodwill Industries-Knoxville Inc. would like to thank all of the participating schools and students for their donations and for helping provide job opportunities in East Tennessee,” the press release said.

 

This press release was submitted by Erin Rosolina of Goodwill Industries-Knoxville.