When Johnny Manson joined Goodwill in October 2016 as a part-time donation attendant, he had been struggling to secure employment due to past legal issues and a lifelong history of depression. 

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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals without disabilities, significantly limiting their ability to live independently. As one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in the state of Indiana — one-third of the more than 5,000 Hoosiers we employ report a disability — Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana highlights the extraordinary work of these individuals all year long.

Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana operates 75 retail stores that not only provide a place for the community to donate their gently used goods and shop for deals, but they also provide meaningful employment opportunities to Hoosiers.

Ashley Pokone, known by her Instagram handle Plaidlattes, is no stranger to secondhand shopping. This practice started in her childhood and grew into a passion. To celebrate National Secondhand Wardrobe Day, we caught up with Ashley, a committed shopper at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana retail stores, to learn more about her love for thrifting.

Growing up, Ashley often wore hand-me-downs, extending the life of the clothing as long as possible. Her first visit to Goodwill ignited a love for thrift shopping that has only grown. She’s now a regular at the Goodwill store on Olio Road in Fishers, Indiana.

“Through shopping at Goodwill, I discovered I could find the clothes I loved for a reasonable price,” Ashley said.

One of her most memorable finds at Goodwill was a dress designed by the famed Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, which she bought for just $7.99.

“It’s a piece of fashion history, and even though it didn’t fit me then, I had to have it,” Ashley said.

Ashley’s interest in fashion took off in her late teens. Since 2008, she has studied fashion magazines and explored different styles, which led to her love for creating fashion-related content, including refurbishing thrifted clothes and DIY tutorials.

One of the things Ashley appreciates about shopping at Goodwill is the consistent layout across its 75 retail locations, which makes it easy to navigate and shop efficiently.

“Goodwill has been a big part of my life from a young age. I never really thought about going to other thrift stores. I like the layout and the fact that it feels familiar in different locations,” she said.

When shopping, Ashley relies on her sense of touch to determine the quality of the fabric. Her familiarity with different textures is so refined that she often identifies a brand by how it feels alone. She explores every section of the store, regardless of gender or size, and usually shops while listening to music, which can influence her choices and style.

Occasionally, she invites friends to join her on Goodwill shopping trips and advises those struggling to find items they like.

“I encourage them to look through the entire store. Many people get stuck in one section, but the style and sizing have changed over the years. My friends always walk out with a big bag in the end,” she said.

For Ashley, Goodwill offers a treasure trove of unique items from various eras. She carefully selects her purchases, fills a cart, and then narrows her choices to the best pieces based on their versatility and quality. 

By shopping at Goodwill, Ashley finds affordable and unique fashion pieces and supports her community. Her commitment to secondhand shopping helps keep resources within the local economy, promotes sustainability by reducing waste, and supports Goodwill's mission to change lives daily through education, employment, and health. Ashley’s love for thrifting reflects how local thrift stores like Goodwill can be a source of personal joy and a means of giving back to the community.

Find the nearest Goodwill retail store near you.

When Richard Wagoner was 24 years old, he was involved in a car accident that left him with lifelong paralysis of his lower body. For nearly 30 years since, he has navigated life in a wheelchair. 

Born with autism spectrum disorder, John Thompson did not begin speaking until he was eight years old. He was homeschooled and had no prior experience with public school before enrolling at The Excel Center® in Shelbyville, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults. As a result, he lacked experience socializing in an academic setting and worried that his peers might not accept him. 

In recognition of Older Americans Month, we spoke with Patricia Culp about her journey with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Patricia embarked on her journey with Goodwill in 2015, starting as a cashier at the Lafayette retail store. This occurred during a challenging period in her personal life; she had recently lost her father and assumed the role of caretaker for her mother, who was battling dementia.

As her mother's condition progressed, Patricia transitioned to full-time caregiving, leading to her departure from her job at Goodwill. Following her mother's passing, Patricia found herself grappling with grief.

"I didn’t know what to do with myself. I got depressed, and I felt like an orphan," Patricia said.

Soon, Patricia found that she had more time on her hands than what she knew what to do with. Seeking a new sense of purpose, Patricia rejoined the Goodwill retail team at the same Lafayette location in September of 2022.

"I was nervous, but I started to feel better as soon as I started," Patricia said.

Thriving in her role on the sales floor, Patricia quickly established herself as a valued member of the retail team. Over time, she honed her skills across various departments, from cashier to textiles, wares, and books, positioning herself for future leadership opportunities.

In April 2024, Patricia achieved a significant milestone in her career when she accepted the role of Team Lead at the Lafayette retail location. She aspires to emulate the leadership she has received from her mentors within the organization. Looking ahead, Patricia envisions a long-term commitment to Goodwill, expressing gratitude for the supportive environment it provides.

"They are the kindest, nonjudgmental people I have ever met. I have so much more confidence in myself and others because of them," Patricia said.

Are you or someone you know seeking employment? Check out current opportunities on our website.