"I'm looking forward to helping drive thousands of new donations to Goodwill during the month of April—and helping our heroes along the way," said Smithley. "Teaming with Goodwill was a natural fit for me because of our similar values, including our commitment to veterans and the community. I believe in Goodwill's mission of collecting donations to provide much needed career services to veterans and chose to partner with them for this campaign."

The Driving Donations, Helping Our Heroes program will be comprised of donation drives at several Goodwill locations during April and will culminate on Saturday, May 3rd at the Talladega Superspeedway as Smithley competes in the Talladega ARCA 200.  Smithley, a lead Richard Petty Driving Experience instructor, will make pit stops at each donation drive with the Wes Gonder Racing #11 Ford Fusion racecar. Racing fans and Goodwill supporters are encouraged to bring donations to each of the locations for an opportunity to:

• Meet Smithley

• See the Wes Gonder Racing Ford Fusion #11 racecar up-close and personal

• Register for a chance to win tickets to the Talladega Superspeedway race

• Learn more about the career services Goodwill provides to U.S. military veterans and the community at large

Specific dates and locations for the program will be announced soon.

Select Goodwill donors, supporters and team members will enjoy a special "behind the scenes" experience as honorary members of Garrett's pit crew at the Talladega race. During the race, he will don Goodwill blue and white race gear while competing in a car with the added Goodwill logo.  

"We're in a race to change lives by helping veterans re-enter the workforce and assisting people out of poverty," said Jane P. Nichols, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers. "Garrett shares our passion for community service and helping our military veterans, and we're excited he has chosen to work with us on this exciting new program."