Thank you again for signing and supporting the petition regarding the changes to the Goodwill Outlet (Bins). It has now been almost a week since the petition launched, and because of you, we have reached over 450 signatures — a clear sign that this issue matters deeply to our community.
Since our last update, the following steps have been taken:
* A formal email was sent directly to the CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania
* Public feedback has been shared through Yelp and Google reviews
* Community members continue to share personal stories about how the Bins impact their livelihoods, families, and daily lives
As of today, there has been no response.
What makes this especially concerning is that the original purpose of the Heidelberg Goodwill Outlet was clearly defined in a Tribune Review article when it opened in 2011. At that time, leadership emphasized how critical the Bins model was — not only for customers, but for Goodwill’s mission itself.
As reported at the opening of the Heidelberg location, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania President and CEO Michael Smith stated:
"This one is important to not only allow our customers to experience a different opportunity, but more importantly, this helps our donation flow throughout the entire retail division. This is going to help generate revenue for the mission, which is to put people to work."
The article also noted that the Heidelberg store employs between 15 and 20 people, underscoring that this location was designed to support both jobs and accessibility.
You can read the original 2011 news article here:
https://archive.triblive.com/local/carlynton/goodwill-opens-outlet-store-in-heidelberg/
That mission — opportunity, affordability, and putting people to work — is exactly what so many of us are trying to protect.
If you haven’t already, please continue to help by:
* Share the petition link with friends, family, and local groups
* Leave thoughtful, respectful reviews explaining why the Bins matter
* Speak up on social media or within your community
Every signature, every share, and every voice increases the chance that Goodwill leadership will listen and respond.
How to Contact Goodwill Leadership Directly
If you would like to respectfully voice your concerns, here are official contact points for Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania:
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania – Main Office
* Phone: 412-481-9005
* Address: 118 52nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
* General contact email: marketing@goodwillswpa.org
* Contact page: https://www.goodwillswpa.org/about/contact-us/
Executive & Board Leadership
* Monique McIntosh – President & CEO
* Debra Valentine-Gray – Chair, Board of Directors
* Scot Stevens – Vice Chair
* Dan Waltman – Treasurer
* Mathias Barlat – Secretary
This isn’t about resisting change — it’s about preserving access, fairness, and the mission that was promised from the very beginning.
Thank you for standing together and showing that this community cares.
We will continue to update you as this moves forward.