Goodyear community shows astounding support for Goodwill’s newest store and Career Center

PHOENIX (October 24, 2008) — Shoppers lined up early Friday morning in anticipation of Goodwill of Central Arizona’s newest store and career center in Goodyear, located at the southeast corner of Litchfield Rd. and Van Buren St.

More than 500 shoppers eagerly entered the 26,178 square foot sales floor during the opening’s first hour to hunt for treasures and bargains. The store and donation center marks Goodwill’s 40th retail location within central Arizona. All Goodwill stores fund the nonprofit’s commitment to help Arizonans with barriers to employment meet their occupational goals through its Career Centers and other human service programs.

Goodwill’s latest professional, modern Career Center will serve as Goodwill’s 10th within central Arizona. The Career Center offers a professional job-seeking environment complete with free computer and Internet access, fax machines, phones and employment assistance. Goodwill staff members are available to help individuals prepare for and find employment, including help with resumes.

In addition to hundreds of shoppers, Goodwill welcomed Goodyear Mayor James Cavanaugh and Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce members for its ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are delighted to have Goodwill in Goodyear,” said Cavanaugh. “The store and career center are especially relevant and important due to the current state of the economy. The products and services offered by Goodwill are critical because people are hurting. Goodwill has a great reputation and is a great addition to our community.

Goodwill anticipates approximately 400,000 visitors and 35,000 donors to traffic its newest store and donation center. Approximately 2,000 jobseekers are anticipated to visit the Goodyear Career Center annually.

“You can truly sense the community’s excitement about our store and career center,” said Jim Teter, President and CEO for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “This was a great experience and we are honored that the Goodyear mayor and members of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce attended our Goodyear grand opening.”

Regular store hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tax-deductible donations will be accepted during regular store hours. Regular Career Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.