November 5, 2025

Hundreds of students and staff came together to collect and donate thousands of gently used clothing and household items to Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County as part of DCIU’s Fall Goodwill Donation Drive.

MORTON PA — Hundreds of students and staff from across the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) came together this fall to collect and donate thousands of gently used clothing and household items to Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County as part of DCIU’s Fall Goodwill Donation Drive.

The donation effort culminated on Wednesday, November 5, when students in DCIU’s OPTIONS program and DCIU leadership team proudly helped load boxes and bags filled with donations into the Goodwill van at the DCIU Education Center in Morton.

The initiative—led by students in DCIU’s OPTIONS and Life Skills programs—provided meaningful, real-world learning experiences that helped students practice communication, organization, and teamwork skills while making a positive impact in their community.

“The generosity of our students and staff truly reflects the heart of DCIU,” said Dr. Maria Edelberg, Executive Director of DCIU. “This donation drive shows the incredible power of community partnership—when we come together in kindness and purpose, we not only support members of our community in need, but also inspire our students to understand the lifelong value of giving back.”

Lisa Mitchell, Supervisor at DCIU’s Student Services Department, said the experience was a powerful lesson in both empathy and independence.

“This is what education at DCIU is all about—empowering students to grow academically, socially, and as active citizens who make a difference,” said Mitchell. “Watching our students take pride in helping others and seeing the joy on their faces as they gave back to the community was truly inspiring.”

Gently used clothing and household items donated to Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are an investment in local people. Each donation helps fund personalized career support, digital skills training, and workforce programs that empower individuals to overcome barriers to employment and achieve lasting independence.

“We’re deeply grateful to the Delaware County Intermediate Unit and its partners for hosting this donation drive, which helps advance Goodwill’s mission by turning gently used goods into opportunities—funding career services that empower people, strengthen families, and keep usable items in circulation for the good of our communities and our planet,” said Colleen Morrone, CEO and President of Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County.

About DCIU’s OPTIONS Program

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s OPTIONS program provides comprehensive transition services for students and adults with disabilities to develop skills for employment and independent living. Established in 1985, it offers individualized programs such as vocational assessments, community living training, and employability skills development. Specialized initiatives include SAILS for independent living, Travel Instruction for safe community navigation, and Enhanced Employment Opportunities with job coaching support. Through its school-age and adult programs, OPTIONS empowers individuals to build confidence, independence, and long-term success in work and community life.

About DCIU’s Life Skills Support Program

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s Life Skills program serves students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, learning challenges, and emotional/behavioral disorders in a highly structured, staff-intensive environment. For students from 5 to 21 years of age, academic, life and pre-vocational skills are taught in an integrated program offering a full range of related services according to each student’s IEP and the DCIU standards-based curriculum. All students receive instruction in art, physical education, and music. Emphasis is placed on developing functional skills ranging from self-help to higher-level reading and math.

About Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County
Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people facing barriers to self-sufficiency, through the Power of Work!Our donated goods/retail program funds our mission and aims to help protect our planet through the responsible reuse and recycling of donated items. Our community-based workforce development programs (mission) empower people to reach their full potential, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic and social growth of their communities. Please visit www.GoodwillDE.org to learn more and join us in building brighter futures.