Goodwill Grand Opening

September 25, 2015

A large crowd was on-hand for the Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony of Goodwill in Cornelia Thursday, September 24.

Judging by the number of cars in the parking lot and lines of customers in the store, one would be forgiven for thinking that Black Friday had arrived early. Customers were excited about the selections and prices in the store and hourly drawings are being held through Sunday, September 27^th for Goodwill gift certificates.

When speaking with a few of the many customers, Erica Dodd told Now Habersham, “They have such great deals. They have all been very nice and friendly and you can tell they have been working hard to keep it looking nice.” When asked, Tina Free said “I think it’s awesome. This area needs this and it’s very organized. It helps the people with all of the affordable clothes and household items.”

The check out line that went all around the store. — The check out line wrapped around the store on opening day.

The newly hired staff of almost fifty worked for twenty-one days straight to insure that the store was ready for the Grand Opening. When asked by Now Habersham, Jacy Campo, who was very busy, spoke of how she saw the Goodwill store job openings and knew she wanted to work for them, to be part of it from the beginning. Excited about the Grand Opening, she said “I felt God sent me here for a reason.”

Coinciding with Goodwill’s 90^th birthday, this location is the 54th store and 11th career center for the nonprofit. Elaine Armstrong, Director of Public Relations for Goodwill says, “What is great about this store is that you can shop, donate, and find a job all from this one location.”

According to their website, Goodwillng.org, “Inside the store, job seekers will find a career center equipped with tools and staff to help them find employment. Computers, local job listings and other resources will be available free of charge to those looking for work. Goodwill also plans to hold training, like its forklift certification and production technician programs, at the Cornelia career center.” The goal of the Cornelia location is to put 1000 people to work during their first year.

The store hours are 9-8 Monday through Saturday, and 10-8 on Sundays. The Career Center will have different hours.