By Jamie McAllister
UFC Bantamweight contender Michael McDonald will work side by side with a local veteran hired by Goodwill of Southern Nevada. McDonald will be doing this today July 3rd from 11 am to noon, at the Drive-Thru Donation Center at the Goodwill Store at 9385 W. Flamingo (Flamingo and Fort Apache) in Las Vegas.

Anyone making donations of “gently used” items to Goodwill at the Flamingo and Fort Apache Goodwill Drive-Thru Donation Center will receive a special gift from the UFC Bantamweight.

“As an advocate for those who fight for our freedom and others’ freedom, I strongly support Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s efforts when it comes to helping veterans find jobs. I am honored to help in any way I can,”

The unemployment rate for recently discharged veterans is nearly three times the national average as many veterans face a variety of employment challenges, ranging from physical injury to psychological distress to employers being hesitant to hire those who are active or in the reserves for fear they may be deployed for long periods of time.

Goodwill of Southern Nevada not only hires local veterans, but through its two Career Connections Centers, also provides free one-on-one assistance, workshops and seminars that address specific needs veterans and their families face.

“As more soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, we are seeing an increased need for services that help transition soldiers from military to civilian life,” said Elizabeth McDaniels, who oversees Goodwill of Southern Nevada’s Career Connections Centers. “Sometimes those services are for the veterans. And sometimes, we need to work with potential employers to help them see how military experience can translate into valuable civilian job skills.”

After completing his work as a donation ambassador, McDonald will sign autographs in the adjoining Goodwill Retail Store from noon to 1pm.

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