More than a thrift store, Goodwill serves over 10,000 people each year through education and literacy programs, career counseling, skills training and more
ST. LOUIS (April 16, 2025)—St. Louis CITY SC is teaming up with MERS Goodwill to support the nonprofit’s mission of “changing lives through the power of work.” The two organizations are partnering to bring more awareness to MERS Goodwill’s programs that empower people in Missouri to reach their greatest potential, including employment services, career counseling, skills training, and education and literacy programs, such as The Excel Center, an accredited, tuition-free high school that gives adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and college credits. The St. Louis Excel Center is located near Energizer Park in Downtown West.
The largest nonprofit in St. Louis, MERS Goodwill benefits over 10,000 people per year – 2,500 through their adult high schools and 7,500 individuals who are economically disadvantages or who have a disability. Community donations to Goodwill’s 44 stores across the state fund the career development programs.
“While some might think of Goodwill as a thrift store, the reality is the organization has been around for over 100 years serving people in our community who need assistance in preparing for their professional careers and finding employment,” said St. Louis CITY SC CEO Carolyn Kindle. “We hope this partnership brings attention to the wonderful programs MERS Goodwill provides to our community and drive donations at their regional stores, at our matchday activations and beyond.”
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for both MERS Goodwill and St. Louis CITY SC,” said MERS Goodwill CEO Mark Arens. “This partnership goes beyond soccer and thrifting—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. Just as CITY SC inspires unity and pride on the field, MERS Goodwill is dedicated to empowering individuals through education, employment, and the transformative power of work. Together, we’re working toward a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive. We are proud to stand alongside CITY SC in this mission and look forward to the lasting impact our collaboration will have on St. Louis.”
At the June 14th home match vs. LA Galaxy, in which Goodwill will be presenting partner, CITY SC and MERS Goodwill will host a pre-match donation drive, where fans can donate new and gently used items including clothing, shoes and household goods. CITY SC also will host pre-match donation drives at select CITY2 matches and produce player content features highlighting the nonprofit’s programs and the impact donations have on local adults.
| St. Louis CITY SC, one of the few majority female-led ownership groups in all of professional sports, is Major League Soccer’s 28th expansion team and plays at Energizer Park, an STLMade 22,500-seat world-class soccer-specific stadium. Energizer Park is part of a new world-class stadium district, which includes a practice facility, team store and team headquarters all within the same 30+ acre urban campus in downtown St. Louis to help further the region’s continued growth and revitalization. St. Louis CITY SC’s vision is to be an exceptional club and neighbor that brings people together through the power of sports. |
| ABOUT MERS GOODWILLMERS Missouri Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives through the power of work. Serving communities across Missouri and Southern Illinois, MERS Goodwill provides employment and rehabilitation services to individuals facing barriers to employment, including those with disabilities, economic disadvantages, and other challenges. Through its network of retail stores, donation centers, and workforce development programs, MERS Goodwill helps thousands of individuals each year gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to achieve meaningful employment. For more information, visit www.mersgoodwill.org. |
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