At Goodwill Industries, we know that the most effective way to help people is by providing them with the means to earn a paycheck and support their families long-term. In response to the ever-present need in our own community, your local Goodwill has been hard at work to help give people a hand up to the joy and dignity of a paycheck.

Over the past five years, your local Goodwill placed 5,459 people into jobs, and generated more than $111 million in new payroll purchasing power. Around the globe last year, more than 616,000 people benefited from Goodwill job-training programs and career services. That person might be the teller at your bank, the teacher's aide at your child's school, or the administrative assistant in your office. And they couldn't have made it without the support of people like you who donate to Goodwill and shop in Goodwill stores.

As we celebrate Goodwill Industries Week (May 1-7) this year, we honor Goodwill Industries International Graduate of the Year Award of 2005, Pensola Parsons, who lives and works right here in the CSRA. Pensola was homeless and addicted to drugs and alcohol before finding a hand up at Hope House and then Goodwill Industries. Through Goodwill's Job Connection Services, Pensola learned vital job skills that helped her gain competitive employment. She now has her own apartment and a car, and has been reunited with her daughter. She has been drug-free for four years. Since establishing services in the CSRA in 1996, your local Goodwill has been transforming generous donations into jobs to help people such as Pensola.

Thanks to all donors who gave gifts of money, property, automobiles and household items to Goodwill. You helped Goodwill build lives, families and communities - one job at a time.

Meredith Vasquez, Augusta

(Editor's note: The writer is executive director of Goodwill Industries of Middle GA and the CSRA.)