When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Evergreen Goodwill
Why Evergreen Goodwill is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington stands out as a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through comprehensive job training and education programs. Serving five counties in the Northwest Washington region, Evergreen Goodwill provides these services completely free, helping community members gain the skills they need to find meaningful employment. The organization is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and operates multiple programs designed to meet the diverse needs of its service area. A particularly innovative feature is their Digital Equity Bus, a high-tech mobile classroom that brings job training, computer courses, and workforce development directly to rural and under-resourced communities. This mobile initiative demonstrates Evergreen Goodwill’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Beyond skills training, the organization offers wraparound support services to ensure participants have the resources necessary to succeed. With over 870 employees and nearly $98 million in revenue, Evergreen Goodwill is not only a major employer in the region but also a beacon of hope for many seeking to improve their job prospects and quality of life. Its status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit also means contributions are tax-deductible, encouraging community support and involvement. Whether looking for advanced workforce training or basic educational assistance, Evergreen Goodwill is a trusted partner for individuals and families aiming to strengthen their futures.
Here's what people think of Evergreen Goodwill
As of recent, Evergreen Goodwill holds a 3.5-star rating based on 67 reviews.
Reviews from employees and community members provide a nuanced picture of Evergreen Goodwill’s organizational environment and impact. According to surveys and firsthand accounts, the organization is generally praised for fostering a supportive and positive workplace culture. Employees frequently commend the respectful management style, the varied and engaging nature of the work, and the organization’s focus on not pushing staff to burnout. For example, former employees have highlighted the cooperative atmosphere, with attention to coaching and training without undue pressure or blame for performance metrics. Positive reviews emphasize good pay especially when overtime is available, fair treatment, and meaningful work that connects employees directly to community impact. However, some critiques indicate challenges such as understaffing in certain departments, which can lead to long shifts without breaks, especially in supervisory roles. These operational issues suggest areas for improvement in workload management and employee support. In summary, while Evergreen Goodwill earns respect for its mission and team culture, it also faces typical nonprofit sector challenges around resources and staffing. The overall employee sentiment underscores a workplace committed to social good tempered by the realities of balancing workload demands.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Julie Knop
This review is for their online auction services. They took a week to ship my item which will not arrive in time for my trip. This is incredibly disappointing as the shipping charges are not cheap and I paid for my items upon winning it. I do not recommend them if you want something in a timely manner.
Christina Loomis
This was my second time visiting this location. The staff was so friendly and the store was nice and organized in the clothing portion. I liked how the store was decorated. Each row of clothing had a display curated in the center of figurines, pottery and other home goods. The back part of the store is the furniture, dishes, household items, crafts, books, etc... it was like a treasure hunt but, some area were disorganized probably due to customers picking through. There were purses and bags on the floor in one isle, metal wall hangings spilling on the floor in another. All and all, everything was organized well. My daughter and I left with some good finds. We found 4 purses/handbags, craft tin with vintage sewing supplies, silk blouse, 2 pairs of leggings (one new), faux fur jacket, and 2 necklaces. We spent $133.
Andrew Zidek
Take your donations to an actual charity- this is yet another awful, greedy branch of goodwill corporation. After buying an auction item (shoes) from this specific location that I paid $100 for I got my parcel over two weeks later and opened it up to immediately notice that the two shoes were a full 2 sizes apart from eachother . And guess what ? Neither shoe was even the size they were specified as! What a joke… After immediately contacting the location, was told “sorry for the inconvenience”. Zero accountability taken whatsoever . I did facilitate a return, in which I was forced to get the return parcel to the nearest fedex drop off point over 20 miles away from where I live because the refused a reasonable request to substitute the return shipping for usps instead. This is because they have a partnership with fedex, so just about anything you buy from them online comes with a ridiculous $30+++ buyer paid shipping fee no matter how small and they still have the nerve to demand handling fees on top of that. Still have not been refunded. How you can be so careless as to not acknowledge such a massive discrepancy anywhere along the process of inventory, photographing, measuring, listing is beyond me. You can’t list a pair of shoes and verify that they are an actual pair but you can demand handling fees ?? Same as most goodwill locations they are simply careless greedy scammers looking to flip your donations for well over their value on some sucker. Give your stuff to a church thrift or somewhere that actually helps people and asks reasonable prices on donated items they get for free
Nancy Reeder
I was searching for a Brian Birdsall print of the Anchorage Alaska 4th Ave. Theater. Anchorage is my hometown. I was very saddened when they demolished the theater. I was very worried that I would not be able to find any prints or if I did find one it would be priced out of my range. Imagine my surprise when the only one I could find was at Evergreen Goodwill, and it was an artist proof, signed and numbered print! I had no idea that you could shop online with Goodwill. I I have donated to Goodwill for years, but I thought that you had to go into stores in order to buy items. I now live in the southeastern part of the United States, so I was quite concerned what the condition of the print would be once it was shipped. Well…upon arrival I discovered a very well packaged print. Not a scratch and the glass was intact! So whoever packed it at Evergreen Goodwill - my sincere thank you! This print was a spectacular find and I am so happy!
chree
Feedback based off ebay. Violeta canceled my transaction when I requested combin3d shipping
How to reach Evergreen Goodwill
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Website: None
Why Evergreen Goodwill may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Evergreen Goodwill with your friends? Because it offers a unique combination of community engagement, budget-friendly shopping, and a shared experience that goes beyond the usual group meetups. Gathering at Evergreen Goodwill isn't just about a place to hang out — it's about connecting through discovery and contribution. Whether you and your friends are treasure hunters who love the thrill of finding hidden gems or socially conscious individuals who want to support a good cause, Evergreen Goodwill creates a meaningful backdrop for your meetup. It encourages shared exploration of an extensive collection of thrifted items—clothing, household goods, and unique finds—fueling conversation and camaraderie. Beyond shopping, the environment fosters a sense of communal support since the store operates as a nonprofit that helps provide jobs and resources to people in need. This dual benefit of fun and philanthropy makes your gathering more purposeful and memorable. Unlike conventional meetups where the focus is solely on socializing or dining, rallying at Evergreen Goodwill lets you contribute to your community's welfare while enjoying an engaging, interactive experience with friends.
What activities are available at Evergreen Goodwill that make it perfect for a group meetup? One of the primary activities is thrifting, which appeals to a wide range of interests and personalities. Your group can dive into racks of gently used clothing, sift through shelves of household items, or hunt for quirky collectibles, making each visit a dynamic treasure hunt. This process sparks conversation, laughter, and friendly competition over the best finds, which naturally strengthens bonds between friends or family members. Additionally, Evergreen Goodwill locations often feature organized donation drop-off points, allowing groups not only to shop but also contribute items together. This joint participation in donation drives can add layers of meaning and shared accomplishment to your meetup. The store's atmosphere is welcoming, staffed by friendly employees who are often passionate about their work and community mission, adding warmth to your social experience. Since the store is spacious and well-organized, it comfortably accommodates groups without feeling crowded, enabling leisurely browsing and interactive discussions over your finds.
How does Evergreen Goodwill’s environment support social interaction and group enjoyment? The store environment is designed with openness and accessibility in mind, encouraging exploration and unhurried browsing. The layout is generally spacious, which means your meetup group can spread out or move through different sections without feeling cramped, while still easily regrouping to share discoveries. This flexibility caters well to both intimate conversations and larger group dynamics. The staff's positive attitude and professional but relaxed demeanor contribute to a low-pressure setting where patrons can focus on enjoying their time together. Because Evergreen Goodwill operates as a nonprofit, it often attracts a diverse community of shoppers and volunteers, enriching the social fabric of your gathering with stories, inspirations, and perspectives from a wide range of backgrounds. The shared activity of sifting through donated goods encourages a participatory experience, helping everyone in the group feel involved and engaged. Moreover, deals and discounts available to all shoppers add an element of everyday excitement that makes group outings financially friendly and fun.
What makes an Evergreen Goodwill meetup more than just a shopping trip? Beyond the core thrift shopping activity, an outing at Evergreen Goodwill is an opportunity for social responsibility and community engagement. Since the organization’s profits support local employment and social programs, spending time here showcases your group’s values and commitment to giving back. This adds depth to your social time compared to conventional meetups. You can use your visit as a platform to educate and inspire each other about sustainable living and the benefits of reuse, sparking meaningful discussions that extend beyond the store walls. Some locations also host events like donation drives, volunteer opportunities, or fundraising campaigns—ideal occasions for groups looking to combine leisure with contribution. Creating memories through joint charitable acts fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. This combination of fun, awareness, and positive impact makes your meetup purposeful and rewarding, perfect for families, friend circles, or community groups.
Why is Evergreen Goodwill convenient and accessible for group gatherings? Its locations tend to be situated in community-centered areas with ample parking, making arrival and departure easy for everyone in your group. Most stores operate during hours that allow flexible scheduling for meetups, whether on weekends or weekday afternoons, suiting a variety of plans. The store’s layout is designed for easy navigation, which decreases frustration and maximizes the time your group spends enjoying the experience rather than searching aimlessly. Additionally, the affordability of goods means no one needs to worry about high spending, enabling a relaxed, no-pressure outing with friends or family. Some Evergreen Goodwill stores also have nearby cafes or parks, which allows groups to extend their meetup with food or outdoor activities. This makes it effortless to create a full day of quality social time centered around a shared interest in thrift shopping and community care.
How do customer reviews reflect the group-friendly nature of Evergreen Goodwill? Reviews from employees and customers highlight a welcoming, helpful atmosphere that supports positive social interactions. Employees mention the friendliness among coworkers and regular customers, which contributes to a warm shopping environment conducive to relaxed group visits. Although some reviews note management challenges, the general frontline experience for visitors remains pleasant and engaging, enhancing your time spent with friends or family. The diversity of customers encountered often leads to interesting encounters and stories, enriching the social dimension of your meetups. Many shoppers appreciate the unpredictability and uniqueness of the store's inventory, which guarantees that no two trips are the same — a perfect dynamic for groups who value variety and surprise. The opportunity to find hidden treasures at reasonable prices adds an element of fun competition and cooperation, ideal for an engaging group activity.
What should groups prepare for when planning a meetup at Evergreen Goodwill? To maximize enjoyment, groups should set flexible expectations since the thrill of thrifting lies in exploration and chance. Planning for a few hours is ideal to allow time for close inspection of items without rushing, which deepens engagement and satisfaction. Bringing reusable bags or totes can help carry different finds efficiently, especially since everyone may discover something unique. Since payment is typically cash or card at the store checkout, coordinating how the group handles purchases avoids delays. If the group is interested in donating goods, gathering items beforehand encourages dual participation in buying and giving back. Communication about meeting spots within the store ensures the group can stay coordinated. With these preparations, your meetup at Evergreen Goodwill can be smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.
What are some unique benefits of hosting your meetup at Evergreen Goodwill compared to other venues? Unlike restaurants or movie theaters, Evergreen Goodwill combines a social experience that actively involves creativity, problem-solving, and discovery. It’s a budget-friendly option appealing to a broad age range and interests, from fashion enthusiasts hunting for retro clothes to bargain-hunters seeking household essentials. The social impact aspect adds a compelling reason to gather here, making your meetup more meaningful. The variety of items and ever-changing inventory keep your group conversations fresh and inspiring, fostering bonding over shared finds and personal stories related to thrifting. Furthermore, it encourages sustainability by promoting reuse and reducing waste, aligning your social activities with eco-conscious values. This multifaceted appeal makes Evergreen Goodwill an exceptionally good place to rally with friends or family, providing entertainment, purpose, and connection all in one place.