Good deed, but still…

Better buy a lock & chain and also engrave your first name, last initial, & fone # (else driver's license if available) on the underside of the frame that houses the pedaling gears + register it at your local law enforcement facility incl. its serial number (S/N).

It does suck, but they didn’t steal it and the money will be put to good use. Treat it like a fine for not licking up your bike. Lesson learned.

Better yet, get a good lock so you don't have to lick it.

You should have stolen it back.

If you can prove it's rightfully yours, there should be no problem. Goodwill won't press charges once they realized they received stolen property.

How can you prove that?

I hope you also spoke to the manager and filed a report with the police. The Goodwill likely keeps records and should be able to ID who brought it in.

You would think they keep records, but they do not.

Why would someone steal your bike just to donate it to Goodwill?

Someone stole it because it was easy, then felt guilty, but didn't want to risk getting arrested if they returned it in person (or forgot where they took it from, or it was a public space and could be anybody). Then, to rid themselves of the guilt, they figured that the best option would be to put it to good use and donate it to a good cause. Hypothetically speaking, of course.

I think your mom did it 😝