Close to 100 people were waiting outside for the new Goodwill Retail Store in Carolina Forest to open Thursday morning.
The 15,000 square foot building at 2164 Oakheart Road features a retail floor, a drive-thru donation drop off, and a Job Link Center. "It has all come together as a long-range plan to bring Goodwill to the Carolina Forest area. For the customers, as well as for the donors, but also more importantly, for people who need help finding work and getting employed," Mission Services of the Northern Region Vice President Rick Shelley said.
The Job Link Center offers opportunities for people to fill out applications online. Trained employees will also be there to help people search for positions. "We help with resume writing, cover letters, interviewing skills and anything that a person might need to be more ready for work," Shelley added.
Last year, Goodwill hired more than 550 people. Thirty-three were hired to work at the Carolina Forest location.
Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina is a non profit organization whose mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. More than 90 percent of Goodwill's revenue goes toward funding mission related services.