News Summary
Goodwill of Orange County’s Computer Works in Santa Ana has become a key player in reducing e-waste while offering affordable electronics. Since its inception, the store has diverted over 972,000 pounds of electronic waste. The revenue from sales supports community programs, significantly impacting job development and employment opportunities. With plans to double their retail footprint, Computer Works continues to foster community support and create a pathway for individuals facing job-related challenges.
Santa Ana’s Computer Works Thrives in E-Waste Diversion and Community Support
Goodwill of Orange County’s Computer Works store in Santa Ana, California, has emerged as a vital hub for electronics sales, helping divert e-waste from landfills while supporting community development programs. The store specializes in low-priced electronics, including computers, televisions, video games, printers, and phone accessories, with prices as low as $1.99 for phone cases and $59.99 for Apple computers.
The inventory at Computer Works consists entirely of donations received by Goodwill of Orange County. Each donated item undergoes a comprehensive security screening to remove any sensitive information, ensuring the safety of donor data. This meticulous process occurs in a gated area of the store, underscoring the commitment to donor confidentiality.
Significant E-Waste Impact
Computer Works plays a crucial role in reducing electronic waste. In 2023, the store successfully diverted 972,385 pounds of e-waste, followed by 908,842 pounds in 2024, and over 507,000 pounds so far in 2025. This diversion not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also highlights the store’s significance in the region.
The revenue generated from sales at Computer Works directly benefits Goodwill OC‘s nonprofit programs. Since its inception in 2008, Computer Works has contributed over $18 million to support Goodwill’s mission, which includes workforce development initiatives aimed at aiding individuals with disabilities and those facing job-related challenges.
Goodwill OC’s Community Services
In 2023 alone, Goodwill OC served a total of 30,356 individuals and currently employs approximately 1,760 people, who earn an average hourly wage of $18.98. The organization is renowned for its efficiency, with more than 94 cents of every dollar earned going directly to services for the community.
As part of its centennial celebrations, Goodwill OC is focused on expanding its services and retail presence. Plans are underway to double the organization’s retail footprint over the next decade, aiming to increase the number of stores from 25 to 50 in total. This growth reflects their ongoing commitment to creating job opportunities and supporting community members.
Leadership and Growth Initiatives
Leading these efforts is Nicole Suydam, the first female CEO of Goodwill OC, who has been in office since October 2018. Under her leadership, the organization has introduced new programs designed to improve employee skills and career prospects. The Career Pathways program focuses on helping employees advance towards better-paying jobs through tailored support and goal-setting.
Shoppers continue to praise the value found in Computer Works. For example, one customer purchased a guitar for a PlayStation 1 for just $79.99, a significant discount compared to the approximate $300 retail price. Customers report satisfaction with their finds, noting they typically locate what they’re looking for about 75% of the time during visits to the store.
Overall, Goodwill of Orange County’s Computer Works store not only offers affordable electronics to shoppers but also makes a substantial commitment to social responsibility and community support, showcasing how nonprofit initiatives can coexist with effective business practices.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News1: E-Waste Deals at Goodwill OC
- Orange County Register: Goodwill of OC Turns 100
- ALTA Online: Goodwill Thriftstore Insights
- Los Angeles Times: Working Wardrobe Recovery
- Orange County Register: Goodwill OC CEO Celebrates 100 Years
- Wikipedia: E-waste
- Google Search: Goodwill Orange County
- Google Scholar: Goodwill Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Goodwill Industries
- Google News: Goodwill OC News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
