Spring is here, and with the change of season also comes the annual rite of spring cleaning.

This spring, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida provides a new incentive for people to donate their gently-used items by announcing its Spring “SWEEP” Stakes.

The grand prize winner will receive help with their spring cleaning in the form of $500 toward a closet reorganization and makeover from B&B Closets Inc.

“Spring is usually a busy donation season for us,” says Kirsten O’Donnell, director of public relations for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. “But we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of items we’re receiving this year.

“Donations are our life-blood,” she continued. “They support all of our programs and services, so we’re really hoping this contest will help encourage more people to clean their closets and donate.”

With each donation visit from April 30-May 2, donors earn an entry into the “SWEEP” Stakes. The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries May 11. A full list of contest rules is available at the stores.

Donations received at Goodwill stores are re-sold to fund programs and services which help people become more independent.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida supports six Job-Link offices, 11 apartment complexes for people with disabilities and for low-income seniors, the Four Wheels for Work vehicle assistance program, a youth mentoring program and a charter school for students with developmental disabilities. The programs serve Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties.