New Goodwill Store a Big Hit

Marshall’s brand new Goodwill Store opened Thursday, and what an opening it was!    The brand new facility at 842 West Michigan, a little bit west of the Marshall Fountain, will serve three functions for Goodwill Industries’ of Central Michigan’s Heartland:

1. A huge, bright and new retail space.
2. A Program Services Center.
3. A state-of-the-art donation center.

President and CEO Ken Bauer says the retail store had more than $23,000 in total sales for the day.

“The Marshall community came out in a big way to support Goodwill's mission of "Changing Lives through the Power of Work.  Goodwill does to help people overcome barriers to work which enables them to become more economically self-sufficient.”

During our broadcast at the Grand Opening, we saw a lot of excited customers, as well as 40 excited staffers.   Employees from several area stores came in to help out, and there were a lot of smiles.   The place was packed, and all 108 parking spots were full for much of the day.

Also during our broadcast, we learned that Goodwill is a lot more than just a place to find bargains.

• “VITA”, the volunteer income tax assistance program gives lower income families free help filing their tax forms.
• Manufacturing.  Goodwill actually employs people at their Wayne Road facility, doing contract work for area companies through a special government program.
• Connecting workers with employers.  Goodwill works with more than 70 area employers, all five school districts and KCC to enhance career earnings potential through education.
• The classroom at the new building allows Goodwill to focus on high school juniors and seniors, teaching them about working in the real world and how to manage finances.