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Largest Goodwill location in region now open

Last week, acting mayor of Westfield Charles Medeiros cut a blue ribbon in front of the new Goodwill Superstore on Franklin Street signifying the grand opening of the largest location in the region. Reminder Publications photo by Katelyn Gendron-List
By Katelyn Gendron-List

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD Last week Charles Medeiros, acting mayor of Westfield cut a blue ribbon in front of the new Goodwill Super Store on Franklin Street signifying the grand opening of the largest Goodwill location in the region.

The long awaited 13,000 square foot Goodwill location, and the charity's first new store in nine years will be working to adhere to the Goodwill's mission of "creating a better community through partnerships in employment, education and life enrichment," Nancy Reilly, vice president of Marketing and Community Relations for Goodwill Industries of the Springfield/Hartford Area said.

"I thought this was just a clothing store," Medeiros said. "So many people aren't educated and don't know what the Goodwill does for the community. You don't know how much it means to the community to come in and fill a store that has been sitting here with no lights on."

Medeiros was referring to the once vacant retail space located at 47-51 Franklin St., where Goodwill Industries is now occupying.

Goodwill Industries has officially moved in and painted the inside of the space their signature dark and bright blue, and plastered the walls with their Goodwill logo and mission statement. The space is large, pristine and every clothing rack and shelf is filled to capacity.

This location is stocked with incredibly discounted clothing for men, women and children in addition to furniture, toys, blankets, children's books and home accessories.

The large stock of clothing includes men's and women's slacks for $4, men's sports coats for $5, and winter coats for $12.

"I can't shop at a normal store," Joannie Canterbury, key holder for the Westfield Goodwill Super Store said. "My whole outfit came from a thrift store."

Canterbury added that much of the clothing sold here still has their original tags on them and are in great condition.

Also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Arthur Bopp, chairman of Goodwill Industries, who could not help but to state his enthusiasm for the opening of this particular location.

"We need to look at retail and build our retail," he said of the opening of the largest location in the region. "We're only going to do great things for Westfield."

Building retail within the stores generates greater revenues, which are be used to fund job training and career services provided by Goodwill Industires. Reilly emphasized the importance of the Goodwill's mission to provide career and job training for people with disabilities and disadvantages.

The Westfield location is currently accepting donations of housewares, toys, shoes and clothing. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is open on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information on services provided by Goodwill Industries or on donation criteria go to www.ourgoodwill.org.