PHOTO BY BRETT KANE
Goodwill now has more to offer the community with the opening of its new and expanded store.
The new store, located on West Theater Lane, celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday and featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and catering courtesy of Carol and Lanae Haul.
“Congratulations to all of you for opening up and investing in our city,” said Hermiston Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Pedro, while introducing the new Goodwill CEO and Executive Director Gordon Comfort. “We’re proud of Goodwill and what it was done for our community.”
The new Goodwill is significantly larger than the original building on Hermiston Avenue, measuring 15,517 square feet compared to the old store’s 9,600 square feet.
The increased size is one of the primary benefits for the new store, as it allows for more items to be sold. Anything that doesn’t sell will be recycled. Proceeds from Goodwill’s sales will go towards programs for the disabled, and those who are seeking employment in Hermiston. The store added four new employees to its already existing staff of 21.
The new store officially opened for business today 7 a.m., and on Wednesday, Comfort predicted a successful turnout for its first day.
“There will probably be a line, which is what we want,” he said. “Hopefully you’ll be in that line.”
The new Goodwill store is located at 325 West Theater Lane, and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
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