Chevy Chase DC resident Elizabeth Workman has turned her 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector into a family affair that’s helping neighbors rid themselves of unwanted items for the benefit of people in need.
Workman spent 10 years as managing programs at Sasha Bruce Youthwork Inc. and more recently was deputy director of Fair Chance, which strengthens the sustainability and performance of community-based nonprofits to help children and youth living in poverty.
Relying on Workman’s experience, her family has hosted an annual yard sale over the past 10 years to benefit local, community-based nonprofits. Proceeds have gone to groups such as Generation Hope, the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, the Literacy Lab, Critical Exposure and the Humane Rescue Alliance.
“It started with simply trying to get rid of some toys and clothes the kids had grown out of,” Workman said. “We raised a few hundred and thought that was great. As the years continued, our quantity of stuff grew, as did the amount we raised.”
Then, a few years ago, Workman’s daughter Maddie — who was 14 at the time — suggested inviting the community to donate goods toward their family’s sale. Their garage and wraparound porch ended up completely filled with goods, so much so that they had to stop accepting items after a while. That year, the Workmans raised $4,200 for Generation Hope. Charlotte, Workman’s younger daughter, encouraged her mother to line up more space so they could handle even more donations the next time. From there, Goods For Good was born.
Charlotte, now 13, adores the yard sales her family has been hosting almost her entire life. “They are fun to organize and work at, and my favorite part is when my sister and I get to select the nonprofits that will get the money,” she said. “I wanted my mom to make this bigger because I thought we could raise more money and get to help over a longer period instead of one yard sale a year.”
Goods For Good turns unwanted items into needed funds for local nonprofits doing good, Workman explained. The money raised goes toward operating expenses for the nonprofit chosen each year. Each organization that receives funding is well-known to Workman through her years in nonprofit work.
For the current cycle, Goods For Good has partnered with the Greater DC Diaper Bank. The next rummage sale is set for Sept. 29 and 30 at the Randolph Shopping Center in North Bethesda.
Currently a volunteer-run project, Goods for Good is piloting a more advanced vision of collecting more and selling more to support nonprofits that strengthen the community.
“The idea is quite simple,” Workman said. “The community donates unwanted goods at drop-off locations in Chevy Chase DC and North Bethesda, and they are sold at three to four mega rummage sales each year.” Pickup options are available for large items or quantities.
The profits from each sale are donated to a vetted community-based nonprofit in the DC area. This year’s chosen beneficiary, DC Diaper Bank, empowers families and individuals in the area by giving them a reliable place to get basic baby and personal-hygiene items. Past recipient Generation Hope reduces family poverty by providing mentoring, resources and services to help local teen parents become college graduates. Another recipient, Critical Exposure, trains youth to use photography and advocacy to make a change in their schools and communities.
Workman’s goals for the project include raising significant funds for local community-based nonprofits, promoting their work, and engaging the community in support of their efforts. The fourth goal stands apart from the other three: help people repurpose their unwanted goods into secondhand treasures.
“My dream for Goods For Good is that we are successful in reaching our goals and are even able to continue to grow the organization in a way that heightens our impact on local nonprofits and the community,” Workman said. “Knowing we are doing some good, with a heavy dose of having fun while doing it, will make Goods For Good continue to thrive.”
The easiest way to get involved with Goods For Good is to donate, since the success of the project depends on community participation, Workman said. The group relies on donations from people cleaning out their homes, downsizing or moving. Goods For Good also relies on social media, listservs, religious institutions and schools to help spread the word.
Volunteers are much appreciated as Workman looks ahead to the pilot project growing into a full-fledged nonprofit organization.
Workman’s best advice to those with a dream like hers is to “allow energy and excitement to push an idea forward.” She adds that “having passion about something and nurturing that passion opens the doors for creative, inspired and resourceful actions.”
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