Goodwill to Open Next Month in Lakeville

On January 28, a new Goodwill will open to the public at 17625 Kendrick Ave. in Lakeville.

“Goodwill does a marvelous job,” said mayor Mark Bellows, who believes the store will be a safety net for the community. “I’m thrilled to have a Goodwill here.”

The 20,000 square foot store is part of a six-year expansion plan that Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota is currently in the process of executing. At present, the store is seeking 40 part-time and full-time employees. The location will be the 25^th store to open in Minnesota. It will include a drive-through donation center and is easily accessible from the freeway.

The store will serve a wide range of Lakeville community members. Lisa Ritter, director of marketing for Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota, noted that the Goodwill is not exclusively for low-income customers.

“We have a lot of different types of shoppers,” Ritter said.

Ritter also stated that many customers donate items as well. The Goodwill will provide opportunities for Lakeville residents to recycle conveniently and to give back to the community.

Of the funds raised by sales at the Goodwill, 86 percent go toward sustaining employment services provided by Goodwill/Easter Seals. These services are typically for dislocated and disabled workers and include training for careers in automotive work, medical administration, customer service provision and banking. Employment service recipients are also given employment counseling.

To apply for employment with the Lakeville Goodwill, visit the Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota website.