The first day of autumn doesn't start until September 22, but the leaves are already beginning to change and the weather has gotten a little cooler. This time of year always brings me back to my childhood in Indiana. My mom would take me to go clothes shopping for the fall season, and I hated it. Like many little boys, I didn't want to be bothered with looking at new clothes or trying them on. However, my mother insisted on sending me back to school in style without breaking the bank.
One of the stores we went to each year was Carson Pirie Scott, a local department store that was part of the chain, Bon-Ton. It had great items at good values. For more than 15 years, Goodwill® and the Bon-Ton Stores have partnered for the semi-annual Goodwill Sale. From September 15 - 29, customers who make Goodwill donations of clean, gently used clothing and home textiles at Bon-Ton stores will receive 10 - 20 percent discount coupons toward the purchase of new merchandise, including cosmetics - for you ladies out there.
Bon-Ton's stores operate under different names depending on the area you live in. They're located in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains. Their stores also go by the following names: Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's, Younkers and Parisian.
Customers who register their donations on http://millionactsofgoodwill.com will receive a 25 percent off coupon to use at Bon-Ton or any one of its 23 name plates during the Goodwill Sale. The discount goes a long way to stretch the family dollar.
These days, my family is taking stock of summer clothes that won't make it to next summer and figuring out if we need new sweaters or coats for fall. Of course, we're donating our gently used clothing to Goodwill and judging by our Facebook page, tweets and things people tell me, you are too!
Your donations to Goodwill help people in your community find jobs, earn paychecks and become self-sufficient. I'm always touched when I hear that people are supporting their neighbors as they build their careers and care for their families.
If you have a Bon-Ton store in your area, I hope you'll consider dropping off your Goodwill donations during the Goodwill Sale, which starts today. You'll get a discount on new items and your donations will help build a vibrant community.