Goodwill, America’s premier donation center, is closing another of its locations. This time, it’s Arlington, Massachusetts. The official statement announced that the Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries donation center, founded in 1958, was closing its doors and that Goodwill and the city of Arlington are working together to secure a new, permanent location in the community.
“Goodwill’s attended donation center has been a part of the fabric of Arlington for nearly 70 years”
This center was a meeting place for those who donated and those in need. Last year alone, more than two million pounds of items were brought to the center, according to Joanne Hilferty, president and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill. The center was previously located at the Stop & Shop at 905 Massachusetts Avenue before moving earlier this year to the Ed Burns Arena and Skating Rink. Until finally, the center closed on Friday, September 26th.
“Goodwill’s attended donation center has been a part of the fabric of Arlington for nearly 70 years. It is a resource for residents who want to support Goodwill while also reducing items going to the landfill,” said James Feeney, town manager of Arlington. In the official statement they urge people to use a venue until the opening of another meeting point is confirmed. Until a new Arlington location is secured, residents may use Goodwill’s attended donation center in Lexington at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Road. And they assure that “Goodwill will soon be opening a donation center at the Elks Lodge in Winchester at 375 Cambridge Street.”
Goodwill shuttered a slew of underperforming stores and donation centers in California, sparking fears among shoppers
The winter months are approaching, and with the changing of wardrobes, many people take advantage of the opportunity to donate things they’ll no longer use. Furthermore, those throwing away their unwanted summer and spring looks often turn to Goodwill to take the clothing off their hands, as it’s one of the largest and most recognizable nonprofit organizations that accepts donations. In any case, this isn’t the only Goodwill closure. Earlier this year, Goodwill shuttered a slew of underperforming stores and donation centers in California, sparking fears among shoppers.
It’s worth remembering that Goodwill has more than 3,300 thrift stores and outlets in the United States and Canada that accept donations, so the closure of some locations is news that many people are reporting. According to local media, Goodwill plans to close more stores and donation centers in the Bay Area and will also affect establishments in San Francisco and Oakland. According to the data, 90 employees are expected to be laid off as a result of this measure.
Official sources say the closure was “necessary due to the size and operational limitations”
According to local media and various offices, the closure in these areas is due to the merger between the San Francisco Goodwill and the Arizona and Maryland Goodwill stores. Official sources say the closure was “necessary due to the size and operational limitations, where store revenue was not sufficient to cover operating and staffing costs.” They state that “our goal in the coming months and years is to open new locations in the Bay Area that are larger and more financially sustainable.”
From the donation giant, they say that “Arlington is a valued partner in Goodwill’s mission,” said Joanne Hilferty, President and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill and adds: “Every donation makes it possible for us to create new lives – providing job training, career services, and opportunities for individuals with barriers to work. Last year, Arlington residents donated more than 2 million pounds of items, and those contributions supported families who rely on Goodwill to stretch their dollars.”
