Every year, thousands of Lilly employees volunteer at community-centered organizations worldwide for Lilly Global Day of Service. This year, the global pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Indianapolis, had over 500 employees volunteer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana.

With over 20 Goodwill sites participating in Lilly Global Day of Service, there were many opportunities to get involved. At Goodwill’s retail stores and outlets, volunteers organized and merchandized donated items. Goodwill’s Indianapolis Metropolitan High School hosted a number of volunteers who performed mock interviews with students to prepare them for jobs, internships and more.

Throughout the day, Lilly volunteers not only learned about Goodwill’s operations; they also learned how those operations affect local communities. 

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is a local not-for-profit, where every donation and purchase helps empower Indiana communities people and help them reach their full potential. Goodwill’s retail operations save millions of items from landfills while furthering Hoosiers’ education, employment and health opportunities through charter schools and various mission programs.

“I have always dropped donations off at Goodwill, but I have never gone behind the veil and seen all of the work that has to happen to get the products to the people afterward,” said Jordan Hubbard, a volunteer at Goodwill’s eCommerce facility. “It's good for the community and I enjoy seeing all the hard work that goes into it.”

Lilly volunteers had the opportunity to hear from Goodwill employees and students who were personally impacted by the mission. Nearly one-third of employees, for example, have a barrier to employment such as limited education or a disability.

“Usually, people are shocked at what our employees can accomplish even with the barriers they face,” said Jody Jordan, the site leader at the Goodwill store on Keystone Avenue. 

At Indy Met, Lilly volunteers not only heard from a student, but an entire panel who spoke on the benefits of the school’s unique model for students with barriers.

“At another school you wouldn't have mentorship, patience and coaching,” said Paula Hartzer, the project coordinator for Lilly’s volunteer experience at Goodwill. “At larger schools, teachers might not know your name. The staff knows students’ names here at Indy Met.”

At Goodwill retail sites, volunteers learned about Goodwill Mission Coaches, nurse health coaches and the various mental health supports Goodwill has in place from employees who had firsthand experiences. These aspects and many more, highlighted Goodwill’s mission of changing lives every day through education, health and employment.

“I think just hearing employees’ stories and seeing how Goodwill makes an impact inspires me to be more closely connected to the community,” said Kevin Neiroy, a volunteer assisting with retail operations.

Corporate volunteer opportunities such as Lilly Global Day of Service gives the community the opportunity to see how good is made through shopping and donating at Goodwill. Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer Rachel Eble hopes the opportunity can encourage and motivate participants.

“Our employees and students are proud to share their stories and we hope Lilly volunteers leave inspired to hear so many examples of fellow Hoosiers overcoming barriers and reaching their potential,” said Rachel.

To view photos of Lilly’s Global Day of Service at Goodwill, see photos from across our sites here.