WINSTON-SALEM — The Goodwill store in Mount Airy made a special gift to the Salvation Army with the presentation of a check for $554 on Dec. 15. The donation was part of Goodwill’s “Good Neighbor” program, which provides vouchers and financial support to other nonprofit organizations. In addition, the store employees included funds typically used for their annual employee holiday lunch.

“We know the great work that the Salvation Army does in the community and wanted to do something to help them,” said Jerry Johnson, retail manager for the Mount Airy Goodwill store. “We know the need is great this year — we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people coming to Goodwill for services so we know it’s the same with our sister nonprofits.”

Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina sells donations of clothing and household items in its stores to fund employment and training programs that help people find jobs and become more independent. In 2009 alone, Goodwill will serve more than 39,000. The Goodwill store in Mount Airy, at 1986 Rockford St., employs 12 people and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information on Goodwill’s mission, the Good Neighbor program or other Goodwill services, visit www.goodwillnwnc.org.