Goodwill, Mercy Health Partner to Support Patients and Families in Need

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries has donated a substantial amount of clothing to Mercy Health — St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital in 2025 to help restock its patient clothing closet. Goodwill’s multiple donations include shirts, pants, jackets, and other essential garments.

“At Mercy Health, we’re called to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus, and that starts with accompanying every patient with compassion and dignity,” said Kathy Harley, president, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. “Clothing is fundamental to human dignity, and our clothing closet enables us to provide our patients in need with shirts, pants, shoes, and other necessities. We are thankful for the generous donations made by Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries that help keep our closet stocked and give our patients access to proper clothing.”

The St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital clothing closet humbly started with hospital associates donating their extra clothes. In an effort to expand the closet to provide clothes to more patients, Mercy Health partnered with Goodwill.

The clothing closet continues to provide vital support for patients and families who may not have access to clean, weather-appropriate clothing during medical treatment, or following discharge. It is also available to individuals facing emergencies, homelessness, or unexpected hospital stays.

“This partnership ensures that people in our community have not only what they need for comfort, but also the dignity and confidence that comes with having appropriate clothing,” said Joe Paloski, Goodwill’s Vice President of Mission Services.

The donations reflect an ongoing collaboration between Goodwill and Mercy Health to meet immediate community needs. Thanks to Goodwill’s retail and donation network, the organization can respond quickly to clothing shortages and provide direct support to local families. Goodwill plans to start a clothing closet at Mercy Health’s new behavioral hospital on Belmont Avenue in Liberty when it opens.

Community members are encouraged to continue donating gently used clothing to Goodwill. These donations stay local and help sustain partnerships like the one with Mercy Health, ensuring that neighbors in need have access to essential resources.

For more information, visit goodwillyoungstown.org or stop by any Goodwill donation center.