Your holiday style should deck the halls, not the landfills!

Our Colorado winter wonderland is dotted with twinkling lights, holiday decor, and table settings. People are meeting, greeting, and shopping for presents to give friends and family in celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

Have you stopped and thought about what happens to the things you buy? How much of it will have a short shelf life and end up in a landfill? While holiday style makes an impact, you can decide to make it a positive one! The fact is, it has never been more important to divert usable items from landfills, and one local nonprofit — Goodwill of Colorado — provides a way to do just that!

At Goodwill of Colorado purchases and donations fuel a powerful cycle of reuse. Items given a second life reduce the demand for new production, keep materials out of landfills and help preserve Earth’s finite resources.

The locally operated nonprofit is encouraging donations, reuse, and smarter decorating choices this holiday season, giving items a second chance. Proceeds from sales give veterans, seniors, and those who have a disability a second chance, too, providing free job training and life skills education. With the help of Colorado, those experiencing barriers to economic and personal independence can have access to career and life pathways that allow them to reach their full potential.

Meet two beneficiaries of Goodwill of Colorado’s programs and services

Many of the individuals who benefit from Goodwill’s presence in the community are starting out on a new path, and in need of a hand up, not a handout — like Anthony, who spent 13 years incarcerated.

When he was paroled, Anthony needed a job but had no work history, references, or professional attire for an interview. He applied for a job at Goodwill of Colorado and was hired as a part-time donation attendant. In 10 year’s time, Anthony has worked his way up to regional manager, now mentoring Goodwill’s store teams to perform at their highest level.

“Goodwill didn’t just change my life, it saved my life,” Anthony said. See more of his journey here.

Or Benny, who graduated in June from The Excel Center, Colorado’s first tuition-free, in-person high school for adults opened by Goodwill in 2024. His young son was receiving chemotherapy for leukemia, and it was a challenging time for Benny to attend classes at The Excel Center. He experienced self-doubt, “What makes you think you can finish high school this time? You haven’t been in a classroom in 12 years.” But Benny put those thoughts aside as he looked at a picture of his beautiful, courageous son: “In that moment, I had an epiphany. If my son could brave the storm with a smile on his face, then I could do anything I set out to accomplish. I made it my [mission] to obtain my high school diploma.” And he did! 

Goodwill of Colorado’s Excel Center provides free services to students including drop-in childcare, transportation vouchers, career coaching and micro-credential certifications to help them attain their diploma and begin to plan an exciting, fulfilling future. 

Designers Deck the Halls!

Helping illustrate how old products can be given new life are three designers who participated in the “Deck the Halls, Not the Landfills” promotion. Ecah designer was tasked with spending $100 or less at a Goodwill of Colorado retail store to create a holiday-themed space with thrifted items.

Check out @goodwillcolorado on Instagram for some holiday inspiration from Yazyth Norelius of One of a Kind Interior Design, Kate Clapp of Kate Saige Interiors, and Amanda Vance of Bountiful Collective. While you are there, vote for your favorite thrifted holiday look, from Dec. 20-25, for the chance to win a free consultation from one of the designers. No purchase is required.

Thrifting is mindful and empowering

Thrifting gives people the opportunity to make intentional choices about what they buy and own. The longer usable items are kept in use, the longer they avoid going into a landfill! In 2024, Goodwill of Colorado diverted more than 190,000,000 pounds of donated items from local landfills.

Everyone can help make an environmental difference every day — at home, in the office, and at school, too!

Whatever holiday traditions your family holds dear, you can add another one to the mix: the tradition of choosing — or donating — secondhand holiday decor, from wreaths to lights to ornaments. Remember: thrifted items make great gifts, too! You never know what you will find at a Goodwill of Colorado retail store. Every trip will be different, with access to one-of-a-kind items, antique treasures and white elephant gifts. Going to an Ugly Sweater Christmas party? Need a menorah or candles for Kwanzaa? If you can dream it, you might discover it!

Goodwill of Colorado makes giving thoughtfully, celebrating sustainably, and supporting your community easy … and wishes you and yours a MERRY THRIFTMAS!