Goodwill San Antonio

Goodwill was formed in 1902 in Boston by Methodist Minister Rev. Edgar J. Helms to help the poor find employment. Rev. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold or were given to the people who repaired them. Goodwill's philosophy to provide "a hand up, not a handout" was thus born, and our successful beginnings allowed people to earn paychecks rather than receive charity.

Goodwill San Antonio was founded in 1945 on the South Side of San Antonio. With a passion to help those less fortunate and an initial investment of only $5,000, Bill Sinkin and 4 local business leaders had the courage of conviction to start Goodwill San Antonio.

From this humble start, Goodwill has continued its mission to help change lives through the power of work. We have grown to serve the entire city and beyond, including the communities of Kerrville, New Braunfels, Seguin, Cibolo, Del Rio and Laredo. Each year, tens of thousands of people are assisted by Goodwill San Antonio.