Canutillo ISD & Goodwill Industries of El Paso partnership amounts to greater opportunities for students

It turns out that cleaning out your closet can do more than just free up space, it can help change lives. 

At Canutillo ISD, every bag of clothes, box of toys and piece of old furniture donated to Goodwill has been transformed into funding that directly supports students.

On Sept. 10, all that generosity came full circle. Goodwill Industries of El Paso presented Canutillo ISD with $4,604.46 during a special check presentation ceremony.

The funds came from items collected in the 10 Goodwill donation bins placed at campuses across the district since Goodwill Giving Day on May 9. Each campus will receive a share of the donation, with the amount based on the total weight of goods contributed. Collectively, Canutillo ISD campuses collected more than 3,000 pounds in total.

For Canutillo ISD, the partnership with Goodwill is about more than dollars. It’s about creating pathways.

“We are so grateful to Goodwill Industries of El Paso, not only for this generous donation but also for their active partnership,” said Melissa Mena, Canutillo ISD Director of Special Education. “Together we are helping our students transition from the classroom to real-life work opportunities, and that collaboration is invaluable to our community.”

Goodwill leaders share that same vision. “Goodwill is elated to continue our mission of providing training, skills and services for people with barriers to employment opportunities,” said Melinda Jordan, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of El Paso. “Our partnership with Canutillo ISD shows the power of community collaboration and the impact it can have on students and families.”

The ongoing partnership means that each donation made at a campus bin directly supports Canutillo schools, while also connecting students with the resources and experiences they need to succeed after graduation. The annual Giving Day will continue to grow this support, creating lasting benefits for students and families across the district.

So the next time a Canutillo family drops off a bag of clothes at their neighborhood campus, they’re not just donating, they’re investing in brighter futures.

Our partnership with Canutillo ISD shows the power of community collaboration and the impact it can have on students and families.Melinda JordanPresident and CEO of Goodwill Industries of El Paso