Vermilion/Milan — Goodwill Industries’ Drive to Victory program is rolling into Vermilion for the first time, pitting the Vermilion Sailors against the Edison Chargers in a friendly competition that benefits both schools and their communities.
From Monday, October 13, through Thursday, October 16, donation trailers will be stationed at both high schools. Each trailer will collect gently used clothing and household goods, with all proceeds supporting Goodwill’s mission across northern Ohio. The school that collects the most donations by weight will receive a $500 scholarship from Goodwill, while the runner-up will take home $250.
“This is the third year we’ve held Drive to Victory, and this time we have a record 16 schools participating,” said Kierston Rospert, Community Development Manager for Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties. “Last year, we had four matchups—eight schools total. This expansion really lets us reach so much more of our area.”
The program coincides each week with a local high-school football matchup. For week eight, the Sailors and Chargers will square off both on the field and in their community spirit. Rospert said Vermilion’s participation this year is unique—it’s a joint partnership between Goodwill of Lorain County and Goodwill of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties, since Vermilion’s territory spans both regions.
“It’s a cool collaboration between Goodwill territories,” Rospert explained. “Even the CEOs and store teams are cheering on their communities.”
This week’s Edison–Vermilion matchup is sponsored by Simply Vitality of Norwalk, which is helping support the program’s community outreach and scholarship prizes.
In past years, the Edison Chargers have dominated the competition, collecting more than 23,000 pounds in 2022 and 18,000 pounds in 2023. This year, Oak Harbor currently leads the overall contest with roughly 10,800 pounds donated, though the final results won’t be tallied until the end of the season.
A new element this year is a $1,500 grand prize sponsored by All American Roof Pros, awarded to the top-performing school across all matchups.
The Drive to Victory trailers will be open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at both Vermilion High School’s Field House parking lot and Edison High School.
“Awareness is one of our biggest challenges,” Rospert said. “We rely on the schools to share announcements, so anytime local media helps spread the word, it really makes a difference.”
The winner between Vermilion and Edison will be announced at the Friday night football game.
For more information about the Drive to Victory program or to track weekly results, visit goodwillfindusjobs.org and navigate to the Donate tab, then select Drive to Victory.
Contact: Kierston Rospert, Community Development Manager, Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa, and Sandusky Counties, (419) 625-4744. You can also follow Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties at www.goodwillsandusky.org.
About the Author
