Goodwill Industries opens its new store and donation center in Luling today (Jan. 19), kick-starting everything off with a grand opening, ribbon cutting, prize giveaway and refreshments to commemorate the event.
The 10,000 square-foot store will open its doors at 9 a.m. The building, located at 12897 U.S. Highway 90, is freshly constructed and it stands as the first Goodwill store to be opened in St. Charles Parish.
Goodwill spokeswoman Sabrina Written said new patrons will enjoy their experience — and perhaps even be a bit surprised at what they find.
“I think people with their parents or grandparents years ago may have a different image in mind than the modern Goodwill store,” Written said. “Clothes neatly arranged by color, everything is in order … We want people to be comfortable spending time there. Aesthetics are a big part of that.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Parish President Larry Cochran and other parish officials will take place at 8:45 a.m. before the doors open. The first 100 shoppers in line will receive a Goodwill give away. Takeaway Donuts is providing complimentary coffee and donuts for those who attend the opening, while supplies last.
“Grand openings usually bring pretty big crowd, so we hope to have a pretty good turnout,” Written said.
The Luling store is the 21st location of Goodwill’s Southeast Louisiana branch. The upcoming opening of a LaPlace Goodwill will make it 22 stores in 23 parishes. Written said the company’s goal is to have a presence in as many parishes as possible and called St. Charles Parish “a perfect fit.”
She added the store will be stocked prior to the opening, with donations coming from other Goodwill stores.
After that, the community has its chance to step in and help. Donations will be accepted by Goodwill during store hours, while Goodwill has also made an effort to make the process convenient — the store will feature a drive-through window to drop off donations, as well as a pick-up service that donors can utilize by calling (504) 234-6324. Sought donations include gently-used clothing, accessories, household items, books, furniture, electronics, computers, and computer-related equipment.
The store is expected to create 16 full-time jobs, and Written said people have been submitting applications.
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