Shopping FAQs
How often does your inventory change?
New merchandise is put on the sales floor daily. We receive thousands of donations each week and process them as quickly as possible to make them available for purchase.
Who benefits when I shop at Goodwill?
The greater Northeastern Pennsylvania community benefits when you shop at Goodwill of NEPA. We provide supportive opportunities for individuals with disabilities or other barriers to enhance their lives and proceeds from sales of donated items support our mission.
What are the noodles or tags?
Noodles or tags are thin plastic tags you will find attached to the clothing in our stores. These colored tags help us to rotate our clothing regularly so you can always find new merchandise when you shop at our stores.
Is the color for the Color of the Week discount based on the size tag or the noodle color?
Our Color of the Week discount is based on the color of the noodle or tag attached to the clothing and the price sticker.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes, we are pleased to offer a 15% discount to the following groups on the days specified below:
Tuesdays: Senior Citizens, Veterans, and First Responders Wednesdays: Teachers and Students
Why do you charge for stuff you get for free?
Each item sold in our stores helps to fund our programs. The sale of the donated goods allows us to assist so many people in the Northeastern Pennsylvania community. While the products are donated, we do incur costs with processing and selling the merchandise.
Can I exchange items I bought at a Goodwill store
Yes, shoppers can exchange items with proof of purchase and if tags are still attached.
I’ve heard someone say your prices seem high especially since you get the stuff for free.
While Goodwill receives the merchandise through donations, there are costs involved in operating and staffing our donation centers and stores. The items sold are deeply discounted from what they would cost if new. All proceeds support Goodwill’s mission of providing supportive opportunities for individuals with disabilities or other barriers to enhance their lives.
Where is the nearest Goodwill store or donation center to me?
Find the address and directions to all Goodwill of NEPA stores and donation centers by clicking here insert link to new location page
Does Goodwill hold an item I would like to purchase?
Goodwill of NEPA will hold furniture if paid for in advance for no longer than 24 hours.
I have a question about store policies and operations I have experienced. Who can help me?
You can ask to speak with a store manager. If the manager is not available, you can email [email protected]
Donating FAQs
I accidentally donated an item; how can I get it back?
Once an item is donated there is no way to retrieve the item again. In many cases, items donated are on the sales floor within 15 minutes.
Can I drop off donations after-hours?
We can only accept donations during regular hours.
What items does Goodwill not accept?
While Goodwill greatly appreciates every donation, due to safety, legal, or environmental concerns, we are unable to accept the certain items.
Some items we are unable to accept:
- Furniture that is covered in animal hair, broken, worn, torn, stained, mildewed, rusty, missing parts or disassembled.
- Oversized items that are excessive in weight.
- Large appliances: stoves, air conditioners, washing or drying machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, trash compactors and hot water heaters.
- Building materials, lighting fixtures and plumbing fixtures: windows, doors, garage doors, shutters, sinks, tubs, toilets, fixtures, fencing, gutters, lumber, concrete, bricks, stone, and window blinds.
- Unbound carpeting and area rugs that are covered in animal hair, torn, stained, mildewed, or soiled.
- Children’s items including baby furniture, cribs, strollers, car seats, highchairs, playpens, changing tables, bassinettes and baby walkers.
- Games that do not comply with Consumer Product Safety Standards (1-800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov).
- Hazardous materials and paints.
- Rags – clean or dirty.
- Items that are wet, mildewed, or moldy.
- Gas-powered tools and appliances.
- Medical supplies, crutches, and portable toilets.
- Cosmetics and hair care products.
- Food and beverages.
- Firearms or fireworks.
- Auto parts: tires, wheels, batteries, chemicals, oil, wiper fluid.
- All other items that do not comply with Consumer Product Safety Standards (1-800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov).
Does Goodwill offer home pickup service?
No, Goodwill of NEPA ended its free home pickup service during COVID 19.
Does Goodwill repair and/or clean items?
No, Goodwill of NEPA does not repair or clean items. Before donated items are placed on the sales floor, we assess the quality of the item and check for damages or other flaws.
Does Goodwill accept cash donations?
Yes, Goodwill of NEPA gladly accepts donations of cash, stock, and real estate. For more information, contact Marketing and Public Relations at 570-343-1166, ext. 474 or [email protected].