GOOD TIMES: Becky Close Yunkun writes, “Christmas is a time for
warm memories and bitter-sweet nostalgia! Growing up in Bradford
was like a Currier & Ives winter depiction!”

“We bundled up in whatever could keep us warm and played in the
snow until we finally got so cold we had to go in! The entire
Hobson Place neighborhood was like one big happy family. The
winters of the late ’50s and ’60s found us building snow forts and
even going door to door Christmas caroling!

“We always knew when snow was good packing! I simply wish all
the children growing up in Bradford today are able to share in the
happy legacies of past generations!”

STILL TIME: There’s not a moment to lose if you plan on accruing
tax benefits by giving “good, gently used” clothing to Goodwill.
The deadline, of course, is Dec. 31.

There’s been a change in tax law, the Pension Protection Act,
which makes it the donor’s responsibility to determine the
condition and value of donated items.

Goodwill has always asked donated items be in “good, gently
used” condition and that is now formally included in law.

How would you define “good, gently used”?

Raymond Donati, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of
North Central PA, puts it this way: “If you would give a donated
item to a friend, then it’s likely they will be easy for us to
resell.”

He also reminds donors that clothes shouldn’t require laundering
or repair.

“We’re grateful to the donors in our community that choose to
give to Goodwill as a way to help further our mission of helping
people with disabilities or disadvantages go to work.”

Ninety-two cents of every dollar earned at the Goodwill retail
stores is used directly for employment skills training and job
placement. Goodwill assists people in overcoming employment
barriers caused by their disabilities or other disadvantages.

Goodwill Industries of North Central PA operates 20 retail
stores and 13 attended donation centers.

Donations received in person on or before Dec. 31 are eligible
for a tax deduction form which will be provided to the donor.

Retail stores are open until at least 7 p.m. and ADCs until 5
p.m. daily. Both will be closed New Years Day.

A complete list of stores and donation sites is available at
www.goodwillinc.org.

Bradford’s Goodwill store is located at 75 Forman St.