Ribbon cut at newly renovated Goodwill retail store in Albany

ALBANY — Whether its shoppers, donors or sales associates, it is Edgar J. Helms who can be thanked for the creation of Goodwill stores nearly 115 years ago. And now, Albany’s Goodwill location can carry on his mission of providing career opportunities and affordable goods to those in need.

As the ribbon was cut Thursday on Albany’s newly designed Goodwill retail center, located at 2017 N. Slappey Boulevard, it was apparent that the idea Helms envisioned all those years ago was still having an impact on communities miles from where Goodwill was created, despite its humble beginnings.

In 1902, the Methodist minister from Boston went around the wealthier areas of the city, collecting donations of clothing and household goods. He trained and hired the unemployed to mend and repair goods, when necessary. The gently used items were resold at a discounted price, and the proceeds paid the workers’ wages. Helms believed in the cause and that most people needed a hand-up more so than a hand-out. The idea worked, and Goodwill was born.

Albany’s Goodwill Industries, both the retail store and its adjacent career center, fall under the umbrella of Goodwill Southern Rivers, as do the stores in 49 other counties in Georgia and Alabama. The agency has had a presence here since 1960. There are 164 autonomous community-based Goodwill organizations in the United States, Canada and 13 other countries. Stateside, there are approximately 2,600 retail stores.

Goodwill’s importance to many in the Albany area was on full display Thursday morning, as excited patrons began gathering outside the newly constructed store to await the ribbon-cutting of a renovated and enlarged place to shop for a bargain. Some stood in the shade of the building’s overhang, others lined up out into the parking lot, and a few really early arrivals brought chairs for comfort and umbrellas for shade.

In front of the building, sales associates gathered as the ribbon-cutting neared. The crowd was welcomed by Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Rivera Holmes, who commented, “I have never seen this many people at a ribbon cutting!”

The crowd and associates counted down from three, and all cheered as the giant scissors snipped the ribbon, signifying the official opening of the store. In moments, the aisles were busy with shoppers. With 31,572 square feet of retail space, there seemed to be something of interest to everyone present. From clothes to shoes, linens to toys, small appliances to furniture, every aisle had shoppers.

The newly renovated and expanded store also features a jewelry counter with glass cases that was of particular interest to several of the shoppers not accustomed to finding jewelry at Goodwill.

Another significant improvement to the Goodwill center is actually located outside the store — a new drive-through area that adds convenience to those wanting to donate goods. Donors need only drive under the donation shelter, which triggers a signal to workers inside, and an associate, or two if needed, will come to the car, off-load the donations, give a receipt, if requested, and the driver never even has to leave the vehicle. The parking lot has also been re-striped, making the drop-off area easy to enter and exit.

Throughout the day, drawings for prizes were held, free popcorn and cotton candy were handed out, as well as additional activities designed to welcome visitors to the store, which has become an integral part of Albany.

“Goodwill Industries has been a partner in Albany for more than 60 years, providing retail opportunities and work force services,” said Holmes. “We value Goodwill’s commitment to the community and its investment in Albany-Dougherty County.

Albany’s Goodwill Industries retail store carries a variety of items, including clothing, shoes, housewares, furniture, jewelry, toys, collectibles and more. The retail center is open Mondays-Saturdays from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Donations can also be made during those same hours.