The holidays are here, and Goodwill (www.lincolngoodwill.org) is celebrating with free community events at Gateway Mall!

On Sunday, December 4 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Saturday, December 17 from 3 to 5 p.m., Goodwill is hosting Letters to Santa workshops. Attendees just need to bring themselves and their wishes – Goodwill will supply cards, paper, markers, ribbons, and more. This workshop is made possible by Goodwill’s Bits and Pieces section in their stores that meet all crafting needs.

On Monday, December 12 from 5 to 7 p.m., Goodwill is joining Gateway Mall’s Clause & Paws event. Dogs are invited to take a photo with Santa, and owners are invited to create an environmentally friendly toy using secondhand textiles from Goodwill. All events are located in the common area behind Scooter’s at Gateway Mall.

For 90 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more about Goodwill and these events, follow them on Facebook (@LincolnGoodwill) or visit www.lincolngoodwill.org.