COLORADO SPRINGS — Small businesses and department stores continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. But one thrift store has found itself in a unique position. Goodwill Colorado, has a surplus of clothes and goods, and hundreds of job openings; Not just in retail.
Bradd Hafer, manager of marketing for Goodwill Colorado, says now more than ever people are wanting to stretch their money as far as possible. As a result, more and more customers are coming to Goodwill, where they can buy clothes, items, and other merchandise at a bargain.
"You can buy merchandise for a fraction of the cost compared to other stores, while supporting a good cause," Hafer said.
But there's no bargain when it comes to safety. The fitting rooms are closed, the cashiers ring up customers behind clear barriers, the carts are wiped down repeatedly, and everyone must wear a mask.
If you visit the retail store on Kelly Johnson Road, you might notice how stocked and full the shelves are. Hafer says from March 24th through the month of May, all Goodwill retail stores were closed but their donations centers weren't. Considered essential, the stores kept collecting those donations, and as the given goods grew, so did the need for more Goodwill staffers.
The agency not only needs retailers, but also people who can help with the agency'sLEAP program.
"LEAP stands for the low-income, energy assistance program," Hafer said. "It in essence helps low-income residences with their heating bills during the cold Colorado months."
LEAP is offered in 50 counties across Colorado. It runs November through April, but they're looking to hire over 100 temporary spots.
"We have openings from eligibility specialists, to data entry clerks," he said.
Where there's a will there's a way, and at Goodwill there's a way to safely save, donate, and get a job if you're looking. For more information, click here.
