East Bay Goodwill

The Goodwill Bags is an auxilary group of Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay.  The volunteer group performs vintage fashion shows for community organizations and events.  All of the proceeds of the fashion shows of Goodwill Bags are donated to Goodwill’s job training and placement programs, helping those in need of workforce development services. 

The Goodwill Bags has performed more than 1,000 shows.  Since most of the clothing was donated from community members specifically for the vintage shows, packed into bags and sent to Goodwill, the group became known as the “Goodwill Bags.”  Every fashion show includes music to fit the era and a commentator to describe each wonderful costume.  All costumes are authentic vintage wardrobe and are presented by Goodwill Bags models.  

Betty Jo Olson, the President of The Goodwill Bags, is a member on our Board of Directors.  She has been involved with the Goodwill movement and this volunteer group for many years and is the recent recipient of the Elsine Katz Volunteer Leadership Award by Goodwill Industries International.  To read more about Mrs. Olson’s contribution to Goodwill and her recent recognition, please visit the 2006 Katz Award Release.

The Goodwill Bags performs shows for a variety of events and have performed at luncheons, teas, and other venues.  If you would like to help support Goodwill while hosting an acclaimed Goodwill Bags vintage show, please contact Rick Hicks at (510) 206-9355 or via email at GWBags@aol.com.