Through Sept. 15, shoppers at Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast stores will be asked to round up their purchases to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Contributions from Goodwill Easterseal’s Round Up program usually go to support the missions of Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast, but this special Round Up collection will be sent to the Goodwills in the affected areas to help with operations and mission services. Many turn to Goodwill in time of need, and we want to ensure that our Goodwill family members affected by Harvey will have the resources they need to support their communities in the coming days and weeks.

Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast will be collecting and sending monetary contributions to help with relief efforts. Monetary contributions are more beneficial than donations of material goods, which are difficult to deliver to the affected areas. Contributions can be made at any of the 13 retail stores operated by Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast or online at www.gesgc.org. Click the DONATE button and please type “For Harvey Relief” in the comment box.

On Friday, September 15th from 11:30 am-1:30 pm Goodwill Easterseals will host a Books, Balls, and Blocks community event with Help Me Grow Alabama and Smart Start Alabama. This event will take place in Goodwill Easterseals’ auditorium located at 2440 Gordon Smith Drive in Mobile. In addition to free books, snacks, and other resources, children will also receive free developmental screenings and travel through 8 stations, with various activities at each station, which will show parents how to foster child development through play (geared toward ages 1 month to 5 ½ years). Please see the flyer here for more information… BBB FLYER

This event is sponsored by the Alabama Department of Child Abuse Neglect and Prevention. Please email Christy at christy@gesgc.org or call 251-380-1769 if you are interested in attending this event with your child.

For the 33rd year, 101 local children and adults with disabilities will depart from Goodwill Easterseals’ Gordon Smith Campus, Sunday, July 30, for a week-long camping adventure sponsored through a generous donation from the Mobile Rotary Club.

The campers will attend Easterseals’ Camp ASCCA (Alabama Special Camp for Children and Adults), the largest barrier-free camp facility in the nation. Located in Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of recreational and educational activities. Camper activities include horseback riding, fishing, tubing, swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, canoeing, a “splash pad,” outdoor adventure elements such as a zip-line, and much more. Campers of all abilities can participate in everything from water skiing to horseback riding.

Turn up your sound and enjoy these photos from last summer’s camp:

Goodwill Easterseals recently donated hundreds of children’s books to the James T. Strickland Youth Center, which houses between 65 and 75 children and youth daily, giving these young people something positive to do with their time. Where did all these books come from? From YOUR donations! Thank you for giving a young person a chance at a bright future! Pictured are Goodwill Easterseals Program Manager, David Nowlin and Juvenile Court referee, Linda Jensen.