Alabama Goodwill opens new retail store, donation center in Tuscaloosa – Tuscaloosa Magazine
Alabama Goodwill has opened a new combination retail store and donation center in Tuscaloosa.
“I’m proud to be part of Goodwill and our expansion into Tuscaloosa,” said Marshall Rathmell, who serves on the Alabama Goodwill board of directors, during a Wednesday morning ribbon cutting ceremony for the store, which is at 1140 Veterans Memorial Parkway.
The new location features a donation drive-thru lane, a skills training center and retail store full of donated items. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, for both the store and the donation drive-thru lane.
According to Alabama Goodwill, the opening of the retail store has created 27 new jobs in Tuscaloosa. The new Goodwill store is in the former site of David’s Bridal Shop, across from University Mall.
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Goodwill also has donation centers at 1101 Southview Lane and at 1209 McFarland Blvd. in Tuscaloosa.
The Wednesday ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce.
Rathmell said that an essential part of Goodwill’s mission is to help people support their families and live the American dream.
“And it’s extremely exciting to see us come to Tuscaloosa and be able to impact this community,” he said.
David Wells, who serves as the president and CEO of Alabama Goodwill Industries Inc., said he expects the store to expand Goodwill’s mission to serve the Tuscaloosa community by providing jobs, skills training and career opportunities for those who experience barriers to employment.
He cited having a criminal history, being disabled, being homeless or having limited English proficiency as some common employment barriers.
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“Thanks to our donors, we are able to keep our stores stocked full and fresh, and we are excited to invite everyone in to find their treasures in Tuscaloosa. At AGI, our store revenues are directly reinvested into the community to provide direct employment, upskilling, and other resources free of charge for our neighbors in need,” Wells said.
Alabama Goodwill Industries is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is operated by a local volunteer board of directors that offers employment opportunities, job placement and skills training. Goodwill uses funding partnerships and money from the sale of donated goods to support its efforts in the community.
For information about Alabama Goodwill or the retail store, go to www.alabamagoodwill.org/tuscaloosa.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.
