I, Edgar James Helms, have often been referred to as the founder of Goodwill Industries. This is not strictly true. The originator of Goodwill Industries was the Master of men, who spoke from a Galilean hillside 1900 years ago and commanded His disciples to “gather up the fragments that nothing be lost.” We, His disciples, are commanded to “Go thou and do likewise.” We receive our marching orders from Him who commanded us to “seek and save the lost.” He expects us to literally, “Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those who are sick and in prison.”

In our Goodwill Industries, let us observe the highest standards and best methods, always giving first place to human and spiritual values. During the 50 years of history our Goodwill Industries have survived three depressions and two global conquests. We have done very well, but we can do better.

Goodwill Industries is a business plus. It exists for service not profits.

Goodwill Industries is a social service plus. It offers not alms but opportunity.

Goodwill Industries is a religious organization plus. It seeks to serve, irrespective of race or creed or nationality, the needy, in a practical way.

Friends of Goodwill, be dissatisfied with your work until every handicapped and unfortunate person in your community has an opportunity to develop to his fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living.

You have made a good start, but please remember this: No matter what difficulties or problems you face, always remember there can be no failure when you are working for the Kingdom of God. “The past is prologue. The future is in your hands.”

The Goodwill Industries was overseen by the Methodist church until the 1960’s. Business as Mission has a tremendous impact on the world that we live in. The story of the Goodwill Industries is an inspiration to me and I hope it’s an inspiration to you as well.

The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both. ~James A. Michener.

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