Inspired with compassion for the poor, the sick and people with disabilities, Helms sought a way to improve their quality of life. He took a burlap sack and began traveling to the wealthier areas of Boston asking for unwanted goods. At Morgan Chapel, Helms employed impoverished men and women who restored the collected items and learned trades and skills as they worked. This cycle of donations, processing, resale and wages was the beginning of Goodwill Industries, which today is an international community service organization in 33 countries. In addition to job training and vocational rehabilitation for people with disabilities and other special needs, Goodwill centers offer retail sales training, classes for GED preparation and computer literacy.
Some centers have dormitory facilities, group homes and day-care facilities.
Dennis is editor of the Arkansas United Methodist in Little Rock.