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| By Katelyn Gendron Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Goodwill Industries of Springfield/Hartford has a challenge for all those in the greater Pioneer Valley: to turn their 9,370 pounds of donated goods into 300,000 pounds by Dec. 31. Since the start of this year's Annual Donation Drive in November, Goodwill has only been able to collect over 9,000 pounds of gently used clothing and household items far from their goal of 300,000 pounds. Nancy Reilly, vice president of Marketing and Community Relations for Goodwill Industries of the Springfield/Hartford Area Inc., said the company is looking to achieve such a high goal as a community service and fundraising effort. She explained that Goodwill prides itself upon offering cities and towns with high quality, low cost retailing in an effort to aid those in need. According to Reilly, 84 cents of every dollar funds Goodwill's various job training and support services for disabled or disadvantaged citizens. Reilly said regardless of whether the donated products are bought and sold within each Goodwill location, it's important for consumers to know their donations and revenue from the products remain within each community. Reilly noted that the dilemma for many Goodwill locations, such as the latest on Franklin Street is that donations begin to slow after the holidays. She explained that while the cold weather creates a greater demand for Goodwill's products and services, the weather also hinders the volume of donations as many venture from their homes with less frequency. Goodwill is aiming for 300,000 pounds of donations as a way of keeping their shelves stocked for consumers throughout the winter months. Reilly described the newest superstore location in Westfield as a clean, brightly lit and inviting location for all residents. "When you walk in you don't feel like you're in a thrift store," she said. Each Goodwill location carries a variety of items for all ages, including furniture, men, women and children's clothing, shoes and books. As a way of supplementing their higher-end merchandise Goodwill recently launched their Web site for online shopping. Reilly described the format similar to that of eBay, where goods may be bought and sold through a bidding process. Higher-end items donated to Westfield or any other Goodwill location will be assessed for value and placed online if necessary. To shop online go to www.shopgoodwill.com. For more information or to locate a Goodwill store go to their Web site at www.ourgoodwill.org. For those who make donations for the Goodwill at Rocky's Ace Hardware Store in Westfield on Dec. 30 or 31 a coupon will be given for $5 off a future purchase of $25 or more. |