History of Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries was established in 1902 by Dr. Edgar J. Helms, who served as a Methodist minister among needy immigrants in Boston. He was inspired by compassion for
the poor, sick, and disabled, and was determined to improve their quality of life.

Dr. Hems went door-to-door through the city’s wealthy areas, asking for unwanted clothing, shoes, and household goods.  Following the principle of “Not charity, but a chance,” Helms trained the needy to mend and restore these items.  He paid wages through the re-sale of those donations. 

Today, Goodwill Industries International has 205 member organizations in
24 countries worldwide. Each Goodwill agency is autonomous and is governed by a dedicated local volunteer Board of Directors.

History of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida

In 1952, Goodwill was brought to St. Petersburg, by a local resident, who was concerned about people with disabilities in the community. Goodwill-Suncoast grew to be the largest Goodwill agency in the world, with branches stretching from Tallahassee to Fort Myers.

The first Goodwill store Southwest Florida opened in Fort Myers in 1959.
By 1966, several local businessmen, led by Fort Myers News-Press editor, Chesley Perry, had rallied to the Goodwill cause. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida was incorporated in May of 1966 as a branch of Suncoast. In 1982 Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida was granted autonomy.

Today, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. employs over 420 people and serves Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties.